Australian swimmer turned BBC commentator Ian Thorpe doesn’t seem to have a straight answer when it comes to his sexuality.
An interview Thorpe did with The Sunday Telegraph‘s Harry Wallop is making the rounds on the interwebs, tantalizingly titled “Ian Thorpe: am I gay? It’s at the stage I just say ‘whatever’”
Thorpe is Australia’s most successful Olympian with five gold medals and the most successful athlete of the 2000 Sydney games, where he snatched three of them. Thorpe was only seventeen at the time.
For the 2012 games, the 6 ft, 5 in Aussie provided commentary on the proceedings to great success — Wallop refers to him as “the philosopher king of the BBC sofa” — though his style is apparently at the center of Thorpe’s appeal. He wears Armani exclusively, though Thorpe explains simply because he knows “exactly how it’s going to fit.”
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What also has people talking is Thorpe’s sexuality. Following the admission that Thorpe’s forthcoming autobiography will have “more than one revelation,” Wallop wonders what it could possibly be, then:
The night before this interview his agent rings me up and, out of the blue, says: “The one thing you can’t ask him about is his sexuality.” I had no intention of doing so, but now that he’s made it an issue, I am intrigued.
Thorpe is not homosexual, I am assured, but this will not stop people on the internet speculating about his svelte looks, cultured interests and friendships.
“I tick all the boxes,” he admits. “There is no way I can answer this. It really has just got to the stage when I say, ‘whatever’. It’s not a big deal for me. It doesn’t impact on my life what people think.
“What I don’t like about it is that people think I’m being dishonest. That’s what’s so hurtful in all of this. I don’t live my life as an open book, but what I do say, I don’t retract. That is me.”
And there you have it. Or you don’t. Depending on whatever “it” is. If “it” is an admission of his sexuality, then no, you don’t have that at all. If “it” is a nice soft shoe ’round the issue of his sexuality, then, yes — there you have “it.” Of course, just because a guy loves gardening and Italian luxury doesn’t mean he’s gay.
It means he’s 1950s gay…which is just being a gentleman nowadays.
MikeE
@Emily Suess: oooooooo, two can play at that!
let me try:
intolerant bigots don’t deserve to have rights. they should be in prison.
Daez
Is he gay or European? Well, hes from Australia.
cam
It is weird,
I can’t imagine James Franco or Brad Pitt’s agent calling up and saying “You can’t ask about his sexuality” but I can sure see John Travolta’s saying it.
Mark
This guy claimed to be straight a few years back. He’s inching closer and closer to the inevitable “I’m gay”. I don’t respect guys who do this. Just come out. There is nothing more unattractive than cowardice.
David
Mark-It’s always possible that he’s bisexual, or that he’s actually heterosexual.
Cam-Actually whenever Franco’s sexuality is mentioned in interviews his PA or talent agent says “Oh sorry we can’t talk about that!”
realgay
He said he wants to compete again next year. He tried to make comebacks for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics but failed to quailfy. I think his hopes of competing again has kept him from acknowledging his homosexuality.
I won't grow up
Oh for crying out loud, WHO CARES! What if he is, does that mean one more for our side? It fascinates me that gay folk (including me) think every cute guy in sports and show biz is gay (would that it were true) and the the homely ones or the ones over 35 couldn’t possibly be gay. We need to stop it, we can still silently wish it, but for God’s sake it makes us look like a bunch of nut logs.
I he is gay he’ll come out in his own way. No one should be outed against their will, Perez Hilton did it and he had to admit he was wrong.
sabatghzl1098
So obviously gay.
Emily
@MikeE -If a bigot means not tolerating the cancer of our society, and hating immoral ways of gays. Yes I am and I’m proud of it.
Ems
11
I had to watch his commentary at the Olympic Games (only 1 channel in the UK had them) and I was really taken aback by how bitchy, arrogant, and dumb this person is. A very repulsive creature.
michael
I find it a bit odd some of us feel the need to shred those who are on our side.
Cam
@David: said…
Cam-Actually whenever Franco’s sexuality is mentioned in interviews his PA or talent agent says “Oh sorry we can’t talk about that!””
________________________
I’m not sure why you feel the need to lie. He discusses it constantly, I’ve attached just one link of many.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/01/james-franco-gay.html
As for … No. 11 · michael, who said
“I find it a bit odd some of us feel the need to shred those who are on our side.”
Sorry Michael, but a cowardly closet case is hardly “On our side.”
B
‘The night before this interview his agent rings me up and, out of the blue, says: “The one thing you can’t ask him about is his sexuality.” I had no intention of doing so, but now that he’s made it an issue, I am intrigued.’
Brilliant – Thorpe simply says, “whatever” as his agent blurts “don’t ask” out of the blue, and now all sorts of people are talking about it and know that a book is coming out!
If I had just written a book, for that much free publicity, I’d say “whatever” too.
nineinchnail
He sounds a little swish.
mrlbumiller
@Emily: Well yes you have your right to say what the hell you want or believe, But Cunt, why dont you take it somewhere else where they want to here it.