Ian Thorpe
 

First reaction was, "we already knew darling."

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

We all probably knew before he did, I remember going "oh that nice little gay kid", when he was a young teenager first appearing on our screens and people being shocked. It's sad that he's felt the need to stay in the closet for all these years.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

I'd only been shocked if he had come out as straight.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Agree. Hope it all sorts his mental state out.

He and Clare Balding made a great swimming compare for the BBC during the Olympics.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

To be honest I cant really see why its was ever an issue. Gay, sporty or not its hardly a big event anymore? is it:confused:

However the QLD Sunday mail has just excelled itself, making Queensland look like its firmly back there in 1972. What an Embarrassing and hideous front page, cringe.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Well it was the late 90s early 2000s when he was famous, so a lot has changed since then. But the really big reason was of course sponsorship. Even now being a gay athlete means you will end up poor. Matthew Mitcham has received virtually no sponsorship after his gold medal win.

Additionally, Thorpe was trying to build a media career after swimming. He did a stint on a lifestyle show as well as made appearances in the USA. I remember seeing him on David Letterman.

But, now he has no chance of a media career and he is too old to compete on a serious level. I would say that his only direction is to become a Sports commentator.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Well said. Many male celebrities won't come out as it would affect their appeal to young women (their major market) and make them less bankable - Robbie Williams being a prime example

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Just read there have been lists compiled of Gay and Lesbian Athletes.

I just have to wonder who exactly required that information. :blink:

Re, the sponsorship thing, makes Thorpie sound a bit calcluating, not gay = $$$ sponshorships, am gay = $$$ media frenzy. Almost entrepreneurial, bet hes having a bit of a laugh as the deals roll in :lol:

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

as a good friend put on facebook 'the no shit sherlock of news stories'

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Gillard might follow suit soon and come out as being ginger;)

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Never .... she's a leso the whole way.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Until it is no longer a newsworthy event if anyone famous says they are gay, then there is still a lot of work to do to get rid of the stigma surrounding anyone's sexuality.

Did anyone watch the undercover doctor programme "Cure me I'm Gay" ? I found it horrifying that in this day and age it is still either touted as a lifestyle choice that can be "cured", or worse still that it is caused by bad spirits and can be exorcised. Shocking.

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

I feel really sorry for him. If he'd admitted to himself (and possibly everyone else although why he should have to I don't know) what we all knew anyway years back, I'm fairly sure he wouldn't have suffered quite the level of depression issues he has.

I was also a bit bemused by Stephanie Rice's 'Tweet' about accepting his 'choice'. Does she seriously think it's a choice? :confused:

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Guess breast stroke is not his favorite?

Well hopefully he is now free style

Re: Ian Thorpe
 

Is it the chlorine in the water?

Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black share a kiss as they leave the gym | Mail Online