Ian Thorpe Opens Up About Fame, Sexuality, and Depression

"The silence underwater was my favorite part of swimming."

Ian Thorpe, the Australian swimmer who became a world champion at just 14, has shared deeply personal reflections on fame, pressure, sexuality, and mental health in an interview on ABC iview's The Assembly.

A Reluctant Star

Thorpe described himself as an introvert who prefers small groups or being alone. To manage the demands of large, high-energy events, he revealed that he relies on positive self-talk, a coping mechanism he developed to navigate a career spent in the public eye.

Despite his extraordinary success, he recalled the silence underwater as his favorite part of swimming—a stark contrast to the roaring crowds above.

The Weight of Sydney

The pressure reached its peak at the Sydney Olympics, where Thorpe delivered a stunning performance, winning three gold and two silver medals. Yet, the weight of expectation was immense, a burden he carried from his teenage years.

Sexuality and the Long Road to Coming Out

Thorpe was first asked about his sexuality at age 16. For 15 years, he denied and rebuffed those questions, only coming out as gay at age 31. He stated that once he did, it was not difficult for people to accept him.

Thorpe reflected that some of the persistent questioning about his sexuality stemmed from the fact that he did not fit the stereotypical "Aussie bloke" mold.

Battling Depression in Silence

Thorpe wrote about his depression in a Huffington Post Australia blog post two years after coming out. He said he first realized he had depression in his teens. By speaking openly, he noted that sharing experiences helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

What If: The Opportunities He Turned Down

In a revealing look at his priorities, Thorpe turned down a Japanese record deal and a guest role on the hit TV show Friends to focus on swimming. Looking back, he said he would now accept more of those opportunities to achieve a better balance in life.

After retiring, his focus shifted to adjusting to life outside the spotlight—a transition he found both challenging and necessary.