Thorpe: now gay rumours do bother me

In August, Ian Thorpe said gay rumours did not bother him.

Known as the ‘Thorpedo‘, he won five Olympic gold medals for Australia, and had high hopes for more glory at the 2008 Beijing games, but retired last year at the age of 24.

Thorpe has been the subject of endless speculation from the Australian press. 

He is an avid follower of fashion and has launched his own jewellery line and fragrance. He also works as an ‘ambassador’ for Armani.

Now he has clarified the position - he is not a  homosexualist.

He spoke candidly to ladies periodical Australian Good Weekend and said categorically that he is not a gay.

"I’m not gay," he said. See, told you.

" I’m lucky that within myself I don’t care enough to get worried or upset over it.”

He said he has been a homo pin-up since he was 15, and is now sick of the constant rumours.

“I don’t think anyone should have to be asked that question. You don’t have to come out and declare you’re straight. It shouldn’t be a big deal today, but people still get hang-ups over it.”

photo: matthew blank@flickr