Ex-Olympian Ian Thorpe says early sexuality questions delayed his coming out

MANILA, Philippines – Australian former Olympian Ian Thorpe spoke out about his experiences as a gay athlete during a panel discussion at Sydney’s Mardi Gras film festival on Sunday, February 28.

Thorpe, 33, admitted questions and having to declare his sexuality early on before he was comfortable with it only delayed his coming out. He was reportedly first asked about his sexuality at 15 years old.

“I had told that lie I didn’t want to go back on that as well,” he was quoted as saying in various reports from SBS News and The Guardian.

“If I had a little bit more time when I was younger I would have come out, because I would have been comfortable with that,” Thorpe further explained. “And that’s why I think, we’re all making the same point, around why we don’t push people to come out.”

The decorated world champion swimmer came out as gay in 2014. He retired from swimming in 2006 after 9 Olympic medals, 11 world titles and setting 13 long course world records.

“For me, when I did come out, it was amazing to have such a kind of warm embrace from people,” added Thorpe, who also battled depression.

Thorpe, who attempted a comeback in 2011 but called it quits once more in 2013, spoke as part of a panel of other gay Australian athletes including diver Matthew Mitcham, football player Sally Shipard, swimmer Daniel Kowalski, basketball player Shelley Gorman-Sandie and former pro rugby player Casey Conway.

The panel was held for the screening of documentary “Out To Win It” which tackles the lives of gay athletes.

Thorpe is also set to host a 3-part special program on ABC called “The Bully Project” that focuses on bullying in Australian schools. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com