Ian Thorpe Wants to Help Young People Struggling with Sexuality

Two years ago when Ian Thorpe came out to the surprise of some, one of the looming questions was what he would do with his new role as a professional out athlete.

According to Pink News, the former Olympian told Star Magazine that he now feels a "responsibility" toward other people trying to fully grasp their sexuality.

"There's an opportunity and a good responsibility I feel for young people who may be struggling with sexuality and to make it a more equitable place for us all," Thorpe told Star Magazine. "I feel like I have something to offer and I like helping out young people."

Thorpe faced gay rumors for the majority of his career, having been asked about for the first time when he was just 16. "If I had a little more time when I was younger, I would have come out," he said. "I would have been comfortable with that."

Admittedly the world of professional sports, for the most part, is a much more welcoming place now than it was when Thorpe was at the height of his career, winning five gold medals between the 2000 and 2004 summer Olympics. Now Thorpe can stand up and be the type of role model he always longed for.