Ian Thorpe

Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe explained on the Australian show This is your Life, why he decided to come as gay during an interview with Sir Michael ...

Things kind of changed and I was not ready for that and I don't think anyone in their early twenties could be," he continued. “I had stalkers, there was one with a gun,” the 39-year-old tells the show's host, Melissa Doyle. It was important for me to be my authentic self.” The five-time Olympic gold medallist admitted he initially did not want to reveal his sexuality due to fear of disappointing his family and friends.