Australians Praise Ian Thorpe For Coming Out

    "I'm not straight."

    Mark Di Stefano
    by Mark Di Stefano

    BuzzFeed News Reporter, Australia

    Australia's most successful ever Olympian Ian Thorpe has told British TV host Sir Michael Parkinson: "I'm comfortable saying I'm a gay man."

    Channel Ten

    In a Sunday night prime time interview broadcast on Channel Ten, "Thorpey" addressed questions from "Parky" about his sexuality, depression and outstanding swimming career.

    "I've thought about this for a long time." Thorpe said in response to the persistent questions over his sexuality. "I am not straight."

    "Only in the last two weeks have I been comfortable telling people around me."

    Thorpe told Sir Michael he had being asked about his sexuality since he was sixteen.

    The revelation was leaked in advance to Sunday's newspapers, which prompted an outpouring of public support.

    SameSame.com.au @samesame

    Ian Thorpe on the cover of the Daily Telegraph this morning. #onyathorpie

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    Charlie Pickering @charliepick

    So Ian Thorpe is our most successful gay swimmer. Or as I like to say our most successful swimmer.

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    Fellow Australian gold medal swimmer Stephanie Rice tweeted a message to her good mate.

    Stephanie Rice @ItsStephRice

    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

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    Other sportsmen offered support.

    Brett Lee @BrettLee_58

    I'm really glad for @IanThorpe. It doesn't matter as long as your happy in your own skin. Well done mate

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    Australia's LGBTI community were over the moon that Thorpe had decided to come out.

    Brendan Maclean @macleanbrendan

    Spare a thought every other homosexual who now has to accept that while Ian Thorpe COULD date us he is actively choosing not to. Ouch.

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    Alex Greenwich MP @AlexGreenwich

    Welcome @IanThorpe & thank you for the courage in sharing your story. It will empower others & send a strong message that we are everywhere

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    Australian comedian Tom Ballard raised a good point at the growing stocks of gay swimming mafia.

    Tom Ballard @TomCBallard

    Kowalski, Mitcham, Daley, Thorpe...WHEN WILL THE FOOLS REALIZE WE HAVE POISONED ALL THE POOLS WITH GAY SERUM?? MWAHAHAHA!!!

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    Others used the #OnYaThorpie hash tag to rally around the swimmer.

    Belle Brockhoff @bellebrockhoff

    #onyathorpie You have our love & full support! @IanThorpe @AthleteAlly

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    mark stewart @marstew68

    #OnYaThorpie Hope life gets a bit easier from this point on

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    ed phillips @mr_ed_phillips

    Ian Thorpe should be waking up today realising he's still our Greatest Swimmer Of All Time. And a legend! End of statement. #onyathorpie

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    Elias Jahshan @Elias_Jahshan

    As a teenager I looked up to @IanThorpe, especially during the Sydney 2000 Olympics. I have even more respect for him now. #onyathorpie

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    Dave Hughes @DHughesy

    Good on Ian Thorpe for telling us he's not straight. We are all a bit wiggly really. #OnYaThorpie

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    Maybe it's time for Australia to embrace equality in LGBTI rights.

    Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

    Congratulations Thorpie... you legend.

    Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

    *Stop it*

    Ian Thorpe @IanThorpe

    To Everyone who has sent a message of support I sincerely Thank you!

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