Australia’s most successful Olympic swimmer, Ian Thorpe, has just come out as gay despite years of denial. As times continue to change around the world for homosexuals, more and more people are beginning to feel comfortable with their sexuality.
The Daily Telegraph broke the news that Thorpe’s admission came during a soon to be aired interview with Sir Michael Parkinson and also discusses his past struggles which led him into a depression when struggling with his sexuality. Thorpe has denied his sexuality for years as in his 2012 memoir titled This is Me he stated, “For the record, I am not gay and all my sexual experiences have been straight. I'm attracted to women, I love children and aspire to have a family one day … I know what it's like to grow up and be told what your sexuality is, then realizing that it's not the full reality. I was accused of being gay before I knew who I was.”
Thorpe has broken 22 world records at the Olympic Games reports Buzzfeed. Thorpe also won three gold and two silver in the 2000 Games and then another two gold medals at the 2004 Games in Athens. While he chose to retire, he did attempt a comeback in 2011 and 2012 but never qualified for the London Olympics.
Congratulations on your bravery Ian Thorpe!