Yahoo Lifestyle Ian Thorpe admits he's 'ashamed' he didn't come out sooner
Ian Thorpe at last night's GQ Man of the Year awards in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images
Ian Thorpe has been revealed as one of GQ magazine's 2014 Men of the Year, taking out the award for Man of Influence at the event held in Sydney last night.
The 32-year-old, who came out in an emotional interview with legendary journalist Sir Michael Parkinson in July after years of speculation around his sexuality, reveals that he wishes he came out sooner.
“I’m a little bit ashamed that I didn’t come out earlier, that I didn’t have the strength to do it,” he tells the magazine.
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“I didn’t have the courage to do it, to break that lie.”
Following his announcement in July, the Olympic champion received an outpouring of support from all over the world, however he admits he feels uneasy being called a role model.
“The thought that young people are looking up to me, watching what I do and say closely, has always been strange for me,” he admitted.
“I’ve never really considered myself a role model, and at times I’ve made the wrong decisions, but I guess it’s comforting and flattering to know people care.”
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Ian has maintained a relatively low profile since the interview aired in July, however he did hit the headlines when rumours of a relationship between him and Ricky Martin surfaced.
The reports were quickly shot down by both parties and the swimming champ adds that there was absolutely no truth to the stories.
"It’s not true. I’m not seeing anyone. And we weren’t even friends when that came out. I’ve spoken to him a few times and that’s it. Great guy but we’ve never met."
