Ian Thorpe: I can do nothing more about the gay rumours
Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has claimed that people are “obsessed” with his sexuality, despite once again stating that he is not gay.
The five-time Olympic champion, who has released an autobiography entitled This Is Me, has spoken of his battles with depression and has said that there will always be questions over his sexuality.
“I accept there’s nothing else I can say or do,” Thorpe told AFP. “There’ll always be people who are sceptical; people who want me to be gay, and others who’ll try and use it against me”.
Thorpe added: “It should have been over and done with a long time ago but people have remained obsessed with it and need to find an explanation which suits their perspective.”
Earlier this week, Thorpe told ABC TV’s 7.30 programme:
“I think it’s because I don’t fit into the typical stereotype of what Australian athletes have been in the past.
“I guess I like different things.
“I’m a nerd… who just happened to be good at a sport as well.
“I don’t want to offend anyone whether they’re friends that are gay… by getting angry about it, frustrated about it.
“The only thing I find frustrating is that people think I’m lying.”
The 30-year-old, who has now retired from professional swimming, clinched his first world title at the age of 15.
