Ian Thorpe

[freddie*rooster]

He is such an inspiration and a hero to us all, let's hope he receives the help he so desperately needs.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/ian-thorpe-in-rehab-battling-alcohol-abuse-and-depression-20140131-31q45...

[cherry*135]

2012

"Australian gold medal swimming legend Ian Thorpe has stated in his autobiography that he is not gay and resents anyone thinking he is lying about his sexual orientation. The swimmer also wrote about his long bouts of depression, drinking and suicidal thoughts and why he is not in a relationship.

"For the record, I am not gay and all my sexual experiences have been straight," Thorpe writes in "This Is Me," released last week. People have long speculated that Thorpe is gay and he admitted this summer that because of his interests, "I tick all the boxes.

Thorpe told ABC that being introverted and having a different personality do not make him suitable for a relationship. "I try to avoid letting people into this world they might not be prepared for," he said, adding, "if I'm in a relationship, it's really on the down-low for the first part of it to see if this is going to work out."

[crystal**flake]

He denys too much.

[cherry*135]

His right, his private business. I believe what he says, no reason not to.

[crystal**flake]

Pfttt, I dont know why he denies it, afterall there is nothing wrong with that.  

[cherry*135]

Exactly. Therefore he isn't gay.

[crystal**flake]

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@am*3 wrote:

Exactly. Therefore he isn't gay.

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[azureline**]

I have no idea what his preferences are but.............since there is no reason for him to not admit it, since it is socially acceptable, I think he is being truthful.

He wouldn't need to deny it if he wasn't continually asked?

[crystal**flake]

He may not think it is, for him.

[crystal**flake]

Ricky Martin did the same thing for years.

It is so obvious, in my opinion, that Ian Thorpe is gay.

[polksaladallie]

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@crystal**flake wrote:

Pfttt, I dont know why he denies it, afterall there is nothing wrong with that.  

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See post #20.  IMO he has painted himself into a corner for 20 years, and now can't get out of it, hence the anguish.  Perhaps his parents were super homophobic and he can't bear to hurt them.  I read that he was in a relationship with one of his managers (male) at one time.  It is sad that he can't be free and happy.