Ian Thorpe snapped with Sydney socialite Paras Cladakis in Rome

Just one month after his home was robbed, Ian Thorpe is enjoying some downtime in Europe – with a special someone, by the looks of it.

Just one month after his home was robbed, Ian Thorpe is enjoying some downtime in Europe – with a special someone, by the looks of it.

The Olympic swimmer has been spending time with Sydney socialite Paras Cladakis in Rome.

Thorpe’s representatives say it’s just a friendship, while Cladakis’s people claim he is keen on the star and the attention that might come with dating him.

The pair have been touring the Eternal City and checking out its attractions.

Cladakis, who is close friends with beauty specialist Linda Rogan, is in Europe to attend the nuptials of project director Andrew La Sala and Sydney barrister Chris Koikas.

Ian Thorpe and Paras Cladakis. Picture: Instagram

Meanwhile, Thorpe has also spent time with Italian high-jumper Gianmarco Tamberi. He shared a photograph of himself with the fellow Olympian that he captioned: “It was a pleasure to see and meet @gianmarcotamberi during the @fairplaymenarini in #venice and #italy.

“My favourite Italian high jumper! He has the best reactions to winning and sharing gold with @mutaz.barshim at the Olympics, look him up online!

“That’s how every Olympic gold medallist feels when they win. What I love most is the mutual respect, friendship, and recognition of what each competitor went through to have the chance to experience this moment at the Olympics. One of my favourite moments from the @tokyo2020 Olympics.”

Last month it was revealed Thorpe fell victim to a $150,000 robbery. It has been alleged the suspects were removalists.

Thorpe at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Picture: Getty Images

“He has had some things stolen from his house – watches, jewellery, some personal items,” Thorpe’s manager James Erskine said at the time.

“He called up his insurers, they said, ‘go and make a police report’.

“Doesn’t seem that there was a break-in.”

Thorpe claimed the most individual medals at the Sydney 2000 Games, when he was aged just 17.