'Part of me didn't know if Australia wanted its champion to be gay. But I'm telling the world that I am': Ian Thorpe reveals why he kept his sexuality a secret for years... and only started telling people two weeks ago
- Swimming legend says he only came out to family and friends over the last few weeks
- Australian television interview with Sir Michael Parkinson was aired on Sunday night
- Thorpe also spoke about his battle with depression, his struggle with fame and his future
- The 31-year-old retired from professional swimming in 2012
Published: 12:49 GMT, 12 July 2014 | Updated: 12:40 GMT, 13 July 2014
Australian Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe has finally put an end to years of speculation about his sexual orientation.
The 31-year-old revealed that he 'is a gay man' during his compelling interview with Sir Michael Parkinson on Sunday night.
Thorpe
touched on his battle with depression which reached a point where he
considered suicide, his struggle with fame, his ambitions and what he
hopes the future may hold for him.
But it was Parkinson's highly-anticipated question that kept viewers waiting.
'You've always said that you're not gay. Is all of that true?' Parkinson asked.
Scroll down for video
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| 'Are you gay?' No question was off-limits for British journalist Michael Parkinson when he sat down with former Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe for an interview that will air next week |
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| No holds barred! The tell-all interview will air on July 13 on Network Ten |
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| Superhuman! Known as the the Thorpedo during his stellar career, Thorpe smashed 22 world records and along the way won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals |
SEXUALITY
'I've thought about this for a long time,' Thorpe said.
'I'm not straight. And this is only something that very recently - in the past two weeks - I've been comfortable telling the closest people around me exactly that.'
The champion swimmer, who was first asked about his sexuality at the age of 16, acknowledged he had hid behind a 'convenient lie'.
'I didn't know at the stage, I was too young,' he said.
'I didn't accept it in myself. I didn't want to be gay. I was still gay at the end of the day.
'Yes, I lied about it. I'm comfortable saying I'm a gay man.'
But it was the fear of letting down or hurting his loved ones - and his nation - that held him back from revealing the truth.
'My close friends are going to be accused of being my lover,' he said.
'It's happened before. It happened in 2009. My housemate who lived with me - I was on a vacation in Brazil, there was a photo, instantly people said: 'this is my lover'. He was my housemate, one of my best friends, and he was drawn into this. And I loathed that because I tried to protect everyone from it.
'Part of me didn't know if Australia wanted its champion to be gay. But I'm telling the world that I am.'
Since coming out, Thorpe wishes he had done so earlier.
'My parents told me that they love me and that they support me,' he said.
'I'm a little bit ashamed that I didn't come out earlier. That I didn't have the strength to do it, that I didn't have the courage to break that lie. I don't want that struggle to be so hard for other people.'
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Big news: The Australian swimmer arrives at a press conference to announce his retirement from professional swimming at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel on November 21, 2006 |
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| Pensive: Thorpe, a five-time Olympic gold-medallist, announced he would discontinue his professional swimming career to concentrate on new challenges |
DEPRESSION AND FAME
Thorpe, who retired from professional swimming in 2012, had accomplished his dreams by the time he reached 17.
Known as the Thorpedo during his stellar career, the athlete smashed 22 world records and along the way won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals.
He has also won 11 World titles and 11 (10 gold, one silver) Commonwealth Games medals.
'I struggled with the success of what I did,' he said.
'I just wanted to swim. And when that wasn't taken away from me, when I wasn't able to have the peace that I needed at training - when that was interrupted by photographers - it felt as though it was being taken away and that my career was not my own, it was other people's.
'I felt that I needed to get my life back. And I thought that the way I could do it was to stop swimming. It's unfortunate that I did it, and I know why I did it. Now I wish that I hadn't but it's what I needed to do.'
Yet this wasn't enough to help him with his crippling depression, which had grown up with from a very young age.
The severity of the it hit Thorpe at the age of 19, which is when he began taking anti-depressants and also turned to alcohol.
'I knew I needed something that was a safety net for me,' he said.
'When I looked at anti-depressants that aren't working, I'll have a drink and I feel better, then it becomes cyclical. You start to drink and you start to self-medicated.
'I thought it was unfair that I was doing the right thing: I was taking my anti-depressants and I was still feeling miserable.'
The then teenage Thorpe was afraid to show the world his inner turmoil.
'I didn't want to share my problems with people,' he said.
'I didn't want anyone else to know I'm unhappy. Because I'm living what is a dream life for an Australian. I'm a tremendously successful athlete - I should be having the time of my life and I'm not. So I kept it to myself.'
He even went as far as contemplating suicide but it was his family and friends who held him back.
'I couldn't do it to them. I think that's the only thing that stopped me,' Thorpe said.
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| Thorpe celebrates his victory on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men's swimming 200 metre freestyle event at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games |
LIFE AFTER SWIMMING
While Thorpe may consider swimming instructing in the near future, he also wants to continue his fight for the injustice Indigenous people face in Australia.
He spoke about his charity that has helped Indigenous people, focusing on employment and education.
'I see too often the stereotyping of Indigenous people that is not accurate,' he said.
'I think it is time that we actually recognise that we have this tremendous culture on our doorstep and it's time to embrace it and it's time to recognise the Indigenous people for their contribution to the nation.'
Thorpe's passion for television may also steer him in the direction of interviewing athletes during major sporting events. And he's already signed a deal to be part of Network Ten's Commonwealth Games commentary team this month.
The swimming legend also shared his hopes to settle down with a long-term partner.
'I love kids and I'd love to have a family,' he said.
Overall, Thorpe is looking forward to getting on with his life.
'This is very new for me,' he said.
'Telling my parents and close people, they reflected, they said it's like I'm a happier person, a person that know and that they remember.
'My parents have wanted more than anything else to have their son back.'
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| Ian Thorpe thanks those who supported him |
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| Fellow Olympic great Stephanie Rice, who retired on 9 April 2014, said she hopes everyone 'respects' Thorpe's choices |
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| Swimming superstar Rice was previously dumped by sponsor Jaguar after writing a homophobic slur on Twitter |
Thorpe has been inundated with support from fans and celebrities since the revelation was first reported in The Sunday Telegraph on Saturday.
This sent Twitter into a frenzy and prompted Thorpe to write: 'To Everyone who has sent messages of support I sincerely Thank you.'
Such tweets included one from fellow Olympic swimming great Stephanie Rice who called him a 'superstar'.
Writing on Twitter, Rice said: 'I'm sure it must have been incredibly hard for @IanThorpe to come out, but I hope this bring him peace and that everyone respects his choice.
'Thorpie is and will always be a superstar in my eyes!' she wrote.
The 26-year-old was previously dumped by her sponsor Jaguar after she made a homophobic comment on Twitter, relating to a Rugby Union match in which the Australian Wallabies defeated the South African Springboks.
'Ian Thorpe we're proud of YOU Regardless of sexuality, achievements, medals or anything else... You're an Aussie who we'll love & stand by,' radio show 2dayFM breakfast said.
Former preacher turned gay rights advocate Anthony Venn-Brown tweeted: 'Life's much brighter on this side of the closet @IanThorpe. Welcome to being you.'
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| Add captionSupportive: Twitter was sent into a frenzy following Thorpe's news |
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| Words of encouragement were also tweeted for Ian Thorpe |
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| Thorpe vows to continue his fight for the injustice Indigenous people face in Australia |
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| The Black Dog Institute showed their support on Twitter |
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| Ian Thorpe's interview prompted Australian gay and lesbian lifestyle website SameSame.com.au to share their views |
British Australian actress Magda Szubanski wrote: 'So happy and proud for @IanThorpe Coming Out in his own time on his own terms. Wish you all things good darling boy. It's fun & free Out here!'
Speaking on the Today show on Sunday morning, Szubanski added: 'After I came out then I freaked out about it and thought "what had I done" but everyone was fine.'
'I'm very pleased he can be whatever he wants to be, when he wants to be proudly... We live in a homophobic society so the reluctance of gay people is completely understandable,' she said.
She called for Australia to 'examine our attitudes and change them'.
Australian novelist Dominic Knight said: 'I hope Ian Thorpe's decision to come out allows him to find a little more peace in life. He has always been an inspiration.'
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| More to come: In the 25 second promo clip, Parkinson said to Thorpe: 'You've always said that you're not gay... is all of that true?' |
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| Australian radio stars Fitzy and Wippa sent a message of support on Sunday morning |
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| British Australian actress Magda Szubanski said she is proud of Thorpe for 'coming Out in his own time' |
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| Magda Szubanski called for Australia to 'examine our attitudes and change them' while speaking on the Today Show |
Meanwhile, Peter FitzSimons wrote in his Sydney Morning Herald column: 'With homophobia still such an omnipresent force in Australian life, the fact that our most admired modern sportsperson declares himself gay, is significant, and yet one more forearm jolt to the Hydra head of the beast known as bigotry.'
Radio stars Fitzy and Wippa said they hoped Thorpe was happier now.
'Ian Thorpe, you're a legend. Your bravery has been shown in and out of the pool. We hope you're happier now mate. Proud of you,' they wrote on Twitter.
And journalist Julia Baird said: 'We're all behind you, @IanThorpe. xx'
'Big love to @IanThorpe!' tweeted Gay Times magazine.
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| Australian journalist Julia Baird said: 'We're all behind you' |
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| Australian novelist Dominic Knight said he hopes Thorpe will 'find a little more peace in life' |
Teen star Troye Sivan wrote: '@IanThorpe you've made a gigantic leap for the LGBT community, the sporting community, and for Australia today. #OnYaThorpie :)
And comedian Charlie Pickering said: 'So Ian Thorpe is our most successful gay swimmer. Or as I like to say our most successful swimmer.'
In his 2012 autobiography This Is Me, Australia's most decorated Olympian said that he found the accusations about his sexuality hurtful and judging of his integrity.
In an extract, he explained: 'That’s the only part I find hurtful, that this is something I would be embarrassed about and that I would hide.'
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| False claim: In 2009 it was reported that Thorpe's management issued a statement regarding comments in a 2007 magazine article discussing a heterosexual relationship with Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard |
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| Teen star Troye Sivan said Thorpe has 'made a gigantic leap for Australia' |
'For the record, I am not gay and all my sexual experiences have been straight,' he added.
'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 realising that it's not the full reality. I was accused of being gay before I knew who I was.'
This followed years of public denials including a statement issued in 2009 by his management company: 'In the past, on several separate occasions, I have answered questions about my sexuality openly and honestly with the media ... my situation in this regard has not changed,' he said.
Then in July 2011 he told the The Sunday Times : 'I don't think anybody has a right to write about [my private life], but I don't care enough about it to be bothered. If you try and fight it, you're damned; if you don't, you're damned. If you get married, it's a sham.'
The startling admission is just taste of what viewers can expect from the no-holds barred interview.
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| Sit down chat: 'His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success,' Michael said |
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| No holds barred: Ian looked pained as Parkinson quizzed him on his sexuality |
'Well, I did have a long-term, long-distance relationship (with Beard), and it was great while it lasted. It was sort of public knowledge we were seeing each other, and yet not. It went on for ages, years,' he was quoted as saying.
Beard's agent quashed the statement: 'Take out the word relationship and put in the word friendship and that's exactly what it was.'
Thorpe has just overcome a physical and mental battle following complications arising from shoulder surgery that almost cost him his arm.
Parkinson said Thorpe's decision that no question was off limits was brave and says he examined the good times and the bad of the Australian swimming legend.
'His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success,' Parkinson said in a statement released by Ten.
'What fascinates me most about Ian is that apart from the very beginning of his career, he never seemed to enjoy and celebrate his success.
'I think his sexuality is no one's business but his own. But I think it is one of the best interviews I have ever done.
'Ian Thorpe has always been near the top of my list to interview.
'Not many athletes can claim to be the best of all time. Ian can.'
Parkinson is renowned for not being afraid to ask the tough and sometimes uncomfortable questions.
Some of the British journalist's most memorable moments includes the time that boxer Muhammad Ali squared up to him for calling him Cassius Clay instead of by his Muslim name, and when former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham let slip her nickname for husband David was Golden Balls.
Former British Primer Minister Tony Blair also spoke about the time that his father-in-law had asked permission to smoke cannabis in front of him, while his chat with Hollywood A-lister Meg Ryan made for uncomfortable viewing when she appeared moody and unresponsive and asked for the interview to be wrapped up.
Thorpe first retired in November, 2006, aged 24, and then made an ill-fated comeback in 2011 when he failed to make the Australian team for the 2012 London Games.
Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview aired on Sunday, July 13, at 6.30pm.
Thorpe's agent and Network Ten have been contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment.
| IAN THORPE'S INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL PARKINSON |
| On his sexuality: I was 16 (when I was first asked about it). I've thought about this for a long time. I'm not straight. And this is only something that very recently - in the past two weeks - I've been comfortable telling the closest people around me exactly that. I don't want young people to feel the same way I did. I've wanted to for some time. I couldn't, I didn't feel as though I could. The problem was I was asked at such a young age about my sexuality. I went to an all-boys school... so if you're accused of being gay then the first answer is no and you get ready for a fight. I didn't know at the stage, I was too young. I carried this. I thought that the lie had become so big that I didn't want people to question my integrity. A little bit of ego comes into this. I didn't want people to question whether I'd lied about everything. Yes, I lied about it. I'm comfortable saying I'm a gay man. My parents told me that they love me and that they support me. Part of me didn't know if Australia wanted its champion to be gay. But I'm telling the world that I am. On suicide: I couldn't deal with leaving friends and family. I couldn't do it to them. I think that's the only thing that stopped me. On depression and medication: It keeps you in a safe area. I knew that I needed to have something that was a safety net for me. When I looked at anti-depressants that aren't working, I'll have a drink and I feel better, then it becomes cyclical. You start to drink and you start to self-medicated. I thought it was unfair that I was doing the right thing: I was taking my anti-depressants and I was still feeling miserable. It was something that I was doing privately. I didn't want to share my problems with people. I didn't want anyone else to know I'm unhappy. Because I'm living what is a dream life for an Australian. I'm a tremendously successful athlete - I should be having the time of my life and I'm not. So I kept it to myself. On fame: I struggled with the success of what I did. I just wanted to swim. And when that wasn't taken away from me, when I wasn't able to have the peace that I needed at training - when that was interrupted by photographers - it felt as thought it was being taken away and that my career was not my own, it was other people's. I felt that I needed to get my life back. And I thought that the way I could do it was to stop swimming. It's unfortunate that I did it, and I know why I did it. Now I wish that I hadn't but it's what I needed to do. |
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| A good get! 'Ian has always been near the top of my list to interview,' Parkinson said |
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| New role: Thorpe will be part of Network Ten's Commonwealth Games commentary team this month |
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| Straight talker: Parkinson, pictured with his wife Mary, is renowned for not being afraid to ask the tough and sometimes uncomfortable questions |
| QUESTION MARKS OVER THORPE'S SEXUALITY |
| In his 2012 autobiography This Is Me, Australia's most decorated Olympian said that he found the accusations about his sexuality hurtful and and judging of his integrity. In an extract, he explained: 'That’s the only part I find hurtful, that this is something I would be embarrassed about and that I would hide.' This followed years of public denials including a statement issued in 2009 by his management company: 'In the past, on several separate occasions, I have answered questions about my sexuality openly and honestly with the media ... my situation in this regard has not changed,' he said. Then in July 2011 he told the The Sunday Times newspaper: 'I don't think anybody has a right to write about (my private life), but I don't care enough about it to be bothered. If you try and fight it, you're damned; if you don't, you're damned. If you get married, it's a shame.' |
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Australia's gold-medalist diver Matthew Mitcham publicly came out as gay in 2008
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| American footballer Michael Sam (left) and British diver Tom Daley (right) have both come out publicly | |||||
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