But Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe wasn’t very impressed when 78-year-old Nonna Paola tried to approach him on the Logies red carpet in Melbourne on Sunday for a quick chin wag.
Reporting from the event on behalf of KIIS FM’s Matt Tilley and Jane Hall, the quick-witted grandma held her own against everyone from Dannii Minogue – who she scolded for having tattoos – to Eurovision heavyweight Conchita Wurst.
However when the Italian-born Melbourne-convert chatted to Thorpey, his response was far from enthusiastic.
“A swimmer! You’re the best, you’re awesome,” Nonna Paola beamed.
“Thank you… Ok, thank you,” Ian, 32, stuttered.
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“I watch you all the time,” the YouTube star offered. But the gold medallist appeared quite shocked and simply responded “OK.”
As Nonna Paola continued to praise Ian, the freestyle pro grimaced with his hands crossed before shutting down the entire conversation and dashing off.
But it’s all water off Nonna’a back – she later went on to charm Gold Logie winner Carrie Bickmore and take selfies with larrikin presenter Karl Stefanovic.
All in a day’s work for this charming grandmother, who now boasts an epic 150, 510 Facebook fans.
Watch the awkward interview in the player above
Not off to a swimming start! Olympic legend Ian Thorpe wasn’t too impressed when he was approached by the 78-year-old grandma on the Logies red carpet.
