Ian Thorpe denies he is dating Ricky Martin

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Ian Thorpe has denied rumours that he is dating singer Ricky Martin.

The 31-year-old Australian swimming legend, who long denied rumours about his sexuality, came out as gay in July in an interview with Michael Parkinson.

Rumours began to circulate this week that Thorpe had struck a deal with a magazine for another tell-all interview, in which he would reveal he is dating the singer, who is a coach on the Voice Australia.

However, Thorpe’s manager James Erksine denied the claims, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: “I think someone is having you on.”

Ricky Martin had previously issued a statement praising Thorpe for coming out, saying: “He has no idea what he’s doing for the lesbian, gay and bisexual community around the world.

“He is so powerful… there are millions of little boys and girls around the world struggling with their sexual identity.

“To have someone as powerful and successful as him saying it’s OK to be who you are and be happy – kudos Ian, I’m very proud of you.”