Ian Thorpe thanks fans for support after coming out as gay

Thorpe has thanked fans for their support after he came out as gay during an interview with Michael Parkinson. The 31-year-old swimming champion took to Twitter on Sunday (July 13) to respond to the supportive messages. He posted: “To Everyone who has sent a message of support I sincerely Thank you!” Speaking to Parkinson on Australian TV over the weekend, Thorpe said: “I’m not straight. And this is only something that very recently, we’re talking in the past two weeks, I’ve been comfortable telling the closest people around me exactly that.” Out gay Aussie diver Matthew Mitcham applauded Thorpe’s decision to come out, arguing that sport needs more high-profile gay athletes to prove the gay “stereotype” wrong. Thorpe enjoyed massive success during his career as an swimmer, breaking 22 world records, winning five Olympic gold medals and earning himself the nickname “the Thorpedo”. He is now pursuing a career as a sports commentator. > American football player Brad Thorson comes out as gay > Uruguayan actor Federico Díaz comes out as gay