Messages of support for 'superstar' Thorpe

Senator Penny Wong is one of many who have sent Ian Thorpe messages of support following his interview with Michael Parkinson in which he came out as gay.

Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has reportedly revealed that he is gay. (AAP)

Social media has flooded with messages of support for Australian Olympian Ian Thorpe, 31, after he announced during an interview with Michael Parkinson that he is gay.

Other prominent and openly gay Australians have rallied around the swimmer, which has been described as a breakthrough for the LGBT communities.