Ian Thorpe was 16 when a reporter first asked if he was gay, an experience that stuck with him throughout his career.
The Australian swimmer was on the cusp of his Olympic debut, and the question caught him off guard.
What happened?
Thorpe recalled the incident in an article for the Daily Telegraph, stating he didn't want his sexuality to be a distraction from his swimming.
He said he wasn't gay at the time, but the question made him think about how his identity would be perceived by the public.
Why it matters for Ian Thorpe
Thorpe's experience highlights the challenges athletes face when it comes to their personal lives and public image.
He noted that if a reporter asked a similar question to a child today, they would likely face consequences.
What comes next?
Thorpe has since become an advocate for the LGBTQ community, using his platform to raise awareness and support.
He came out publicly in 2014, saying "I am telling the world that I am gay, and I hope this makes it easier for others now."
Thorpe's decision to come out was influenced by his desire to help other athletes feel comfortable being their true selves.
He pointed out that there were at least 186 publicly out athletes at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021.
Thorpe's exceptional career in the pool included winning nine Olympic medals, including five golds, between 2000 and 2004.
Today, he's still active in the LGBTQ community, and recently spoke to the Daily Telegraph to raise awareness for Qtopia in Sydney.
Qtopia is a new centre for LGBTQ history and culture that claims to be the largest in the world.
Thorpe can be followed on Instagram for updates on his advocacy work and personal life.