Swimming superstar Ian Thorpe has broken his silence on the persistent question about his sexuality as well as a disturbing encounter with two obsessed fans. The 20-year-old Australian is set to become a gay hero after graciously rebutting rumours that he is gay and saying he was flattered, according to Australian media reports.

The Olympic gold medallist and holder of 22 world records who listed Kylie Minogue along with Craig David as his favourite singers on his website, said he believed people had labelled him gay because he was articulate, had an interest in fashion and did not resemble the stereotypical macho Aussie bloke.

"You know I'm a little bit different to what most people would consider being an Australian male, (but) that doesn't make me gay," Thorpe said during an interview on ABC Radio's Sunday Profile program .

"It's the most flattering thing that anyone can ever say because if someone wants to label you or claim you as part of a minority group, it means you must have some strength in your character, or in what you do.

"I think it's because when I speak at engagements I try to speak as well as what I possibly can.

"I try to be articulate... I don't try and sound macho (with an) Australian accent just for the sake of having it. I have an interest in fashion, I have interests in things most people don't classify as being the macho male thing." Said the swimmer nicknamed Thorpedo.

Marcus O'Donnell, editor of the gay newspaper Sydney Star Observer, said Thorpe's straightforward response to the rumours would win him even more gay fans.

"There have been a lot of rumours and a lot of speculation about Thorpie and really he has hit the nail on the head - it's because he doesn't measure up to the typical macho Aussie sporting hero," Mr O'Donnell told the Australian Associated Press.

"It's perfectly cool now to be straight and have an interest in Armani fashion or pearl jewellery or Kylie Minogue - and why shouldn't it be?" he said.

"It's great that Thorpe is now confident enough to address these rumours head on, and to do it in such a straightforward way.

"It could make him even more of a gay icon than he already is."

During the interview, Thorpe also denied being involved in a tape labelled "Thorpe sex tape," found by police in the home of a Sydney couple who have been banned from approaching him. Police believed that the couple Taylor Martin and Vernon Hopkins who had left a number of notes on Thorpe's car might have intended to blackmail the swimmer.