Thorpe champions the bodysuit

Ian Thorpe now travels around the globe for the World Economic Forum, with particular interest in indigenous peoples. Photo / Richard Robinson

Aussie swimming superstar Ian Thorpe firmly believes swimmers should be allowed to wear bodysuits - as long as they're not white.

"I tested swimsuits and white happened to be the fastest colour, but it's also completely see-through," he said with a laugh.

Touching down in Auckland yesterday to grace the final day of the New Zealand Open Swimming Championships in Waitakere City, the five-time Olympic gold medallist had strong views on the bodysuit debate.

As of January 1, professional swimmers have been banned from wearing the full-length, streamlined suit. Controversy came to a head last year when polyurethane "wetsuits" were allowed.

"I'm pro-suit; there's not that many of us," Thorpe told the Weekend Herald.

But Thorpe, who has broken world titles in both bodysuits and regular costumes, said that "never did I attribute my performance to my swimsuit. It was the hard work that went into it."

Thorpe said ground rules should have been set in stone a long time ago.

"The debacle we have seen recently around swimsuits has come from a lack of clarity around the rules that govern the development of swimsuits."

Thorpe, who retired at the ripe old age of 24 in 2006, still does some pool work, but mainly when he is stressed.

He also enjoys boxing - despite not being "the kind of guy to ever get in a fight" - which he used to do to increase strength and fitness for swimming.

But his latest pastime is stand-up paddle boarding - which he said provides "an incredible work-out" - off the shore of his home in Sydney's Port Hacking near Cronulla.

But what else does he get up to?

With retirement from swimming has come a new foray onto the world stage - this time as a member of the World Economic Forum.

Thorpe said he was one of 300 people chosen to travel the world exploring issues affecting society.

His particular passion is indigenous rights and he hopes to make inroads there.

"It's actually an understanding and tolerance for most people in Australia. They've never met an Aboriginal person. There's a lack of understanding in this area."

Thorpe said it was a matter of making a decision to "take this walk together".

He is expected to attend the Swimming New Zealand Awards tonight.