Ian Thorpe has again been forced to deny rumours he is gay after celebrity blogger Perez Hilton 'outed him' on his website.
Hilton, who is himself a homosexual, raised speculation overnight that Thorpe is in a relationship with his long-term Brazilian flatmate and former training partner Daniel Mendes.
The five-time Olympic gold medallist was recently photographed holidaying with Mendes in Brazil after the pair had spent Christmas with Thorpe's family, Hilton said.
Several other Australian and international gossip websites also covered the rumours.
But Thorpe has hit back at the speculation about his sexuality, saying he is merely good friends with Mendes.
"I find this kind of inaccurate speculation tiresome and I am annoyed by the hurt it has caused those closest to me," Thorpe said in the statement.
"I am still friends with many of the people I competed and trained with during my swimming career.
"Daniel is one such good friend whom I have known for many years."
Thorpe's former coach Tracey Menzies, who introduced Mendes to him, has backed up the swimming star's statement.
"There's no relationship to my knowledge, they're just good mates," the Daily Telegraph quoted Menzies as saying.
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