Ian Thorpe: Dating an ‘absolute mess’ since coming out

Australia’s most successful Olympian has said he’s struggling to find “normal people” to date since coming out as gay.

It was June last year when Ian Thorpe sat down with Michael Parkinson for a candid TV interview in which he confirmed his sexuality for the first time.

Australia’s most successful Olympian has said he’s struggling to find “normal people” to date since coming out as gay.

It was June last year when he sat down with Michael Parkinson for a candid TV interview in which he confirmed his sexuality for the first time.

Speaking to Sunday Style, he said: “Dating’s been a lot harder than I thought it would be.

“It’s an absolute mess out there! I’m like, ‘Where are all the normal people?’ I’ve never really dated, so I’ve come in being almost completely blindsided by this.

“I think if someone puts an effort into a date, then full points – it’s not like I’m a hard marker. But there are some nut cases. It’s just a bit weird.”

He added: “But that’s the dating scene – I say it and I laugh and I’ve got a smile on my face, so it’s not that bad.”

Admitting that he’s steered clear of apps altogether, he said: “I’ve mostly met great guys but, occasionally, I’ve met a couple of douche-y guys as well.

“It’s enough motivation for me to want to settle down with someone away from that scene.”

Despite his dating struggles, though, he says he’s “had a really great year”.