#australin

Considered one of Australia's most successful athletes, swimming legend Ian Thorpe has come out in a Michael Parkinson interview that hasn't actually aired yet. 

I took the time to read tweets and responses to the trending #onyathorpie hash tag and unsurprisingly, most responses were supportive. What frustrates me is the fact that an individual opening up about their sexuality in the year 2014 is this much of a big deal. 

My tweet, also featured on Pedestrian this morning, simply states that I look forward to the day when news like Ian Thorpe's today isn't groundbreaking, nation-stopping information but merely a human being proud of who they are and willing to celebrate this with society. 

Ian Thorpe is now being titled "Australia's most successful gay swimmer" but really... he broke 22 records and was our most successful swimmer before you even knew! To add, to those people saying "oh we already knew, this isn't news" - congratulations, I'd love to see you try and build up that kind of courage, spending your life in the spotlight. 

Controversial or not, congratulations Ian Thorpe, I hope you find the peace you deserve and when you're ready, inspire others to be proud of who they are.