Thorpe addresses continuing gay rumours

Australian Olympian Ian Thorpe has again defended his sexuality and denied rumours he is gay in a new documentary to be screened on ABC1 this Sunday, July 15.

The documentary, Ian Thorpe: The Swimmer, takes a look at the unsuccessful sporting comeback by the five-time Olympic gold medallist earlier this year for the London games, after a four-year break from competitive swimming.

It sees Thorpe discuss suffering from depression when his commercial endeavours, that included his own underwear line, sports drink, male accessories and toiletries, were floundering in 2010.

“I was down,” he says. “I call it the dark times.”

The documentary also touches on the issue of the swimming star’s long-questioned sexuality. The 29-year-old continues to deny that he is gay.

Asked by the filmmakers if he prefers men or women, Thorpe answers with a definite, “Ah, women”.

“Being asked about (being gay) gets annoying,” he says. “I think people feel threatened by me because they can’t define exactly what I am.”

Thorpe retired from the sport in 2006 after a decade spent competing with and dominating the world’s best. At the time, he indicated he would use his free time to study psychology and pursue other business interests.

After the failed attempt to make Australia’s swim team for the London Olympics, it is expected Thorpe will appear as a commentator at the Games starting in late July.

Ian Thorpe: The Swimmer airs on ABC1 at 7.30pm, Sunday.