We also enjoyed this article about Matthew in the Times of India :
NEW DELHI: Matthew Mitcham once dressed as a unicorn for a Lady GaGa concert in Sydney, but was too embarrassed to meet his idol backstage. But reticence is not his style when it comes to discussing about his sexual preferences. Unlike diving legend Greg Louganis, who came out of the closet only after retirement, this 22-year-old Olympic champion from Down Under is openly gay, and he relishes donning the garb of a role model.
"I want to do the best job I can because I believe that it is important for people to have someone who is very comfortable and happy to be themselves," the Queensland diver told TOI. "And its easy for me to be open and proud."
He is aware of the hordes of Indian fans after receiving several messages on his twitter site. "I want to say thank you so so much for supporting me, and trying to come and watch my event and doing everything you can to show your support. I'm very proud to have you as fans and I hope to meet you all one day," he says, with palm on heart.
Read in full HERE.
And in The Australian, Matthew comments on the focus of interviews on his sexual orientation:
THE world's No 1 diver, Matthew Mitcham, has labelled retired AFL star Jason Akermanis "narrow minded and homophobic". Taking a break between winning medals at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Mitcham took time out to talk about his sexuality and gay kids in sport and to put the boot into Aker.
Just hours before winning his second silver medal of the Games in the 10m synchronised platform event, the Olympic champion was featured in a local newspaper under the headline "Mitcham Dives With Gay Abandon". The article focused almost solely on Mitcham's homosexuality with just a passing mention of his sporting prowess.
As one of Australia's few openly gay athletes actively competing - and certainly the one with the highest profile - Mitcham is used to the spotlight falling on his sexuality and has no complaints. As long as it doesn't overshadow his sporting achievements. "Being gay is a part of me that I've very proud of but I do like to compartmentalise the different areas of my life," he said. "My sport is my sport, I have my personal life and my university life and there is bound to be a crossover between them. I don't really mind at all, just as long as the people writing or talking about me don't discredit my diving ability. I'm here for a sporting competition and hopefully my results will stand out more than my sexuality."
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