Ian Thorpe's exciting baby news
Ian Thorpe and his partner Ryan Channing have decided to become new parents. The former Olympian and his partner were recently spotted at a fertility clinic in LA.
As Channing, 28 and Thorpe, 36, have been dating for three years, the pair felt like this was the natural next step.
Thorpe revealed to The Daily Mail: "We're talking about it and have for a while, but it's still early days.
"Yes, we decided to visit the clinic in LA – it's all part of the plan at this stage," he said.
Channing explained why they had decided to go with a clinic in LA instead of Australia.
"Becoming parents is something that Ian and myself would love to make happen," he said.
"Unfortunately the laws in Australia are difficult for same sex males in regards to surrogacy – California state law has really progressed in this space which makes it the best option legally."
Channing added, “[It's] something I would love to see progress further in Australia so same sex couples don't have to trouble abroad to achieve their family goals.”
Thorpe revealed to Woman’s Day in 2017 that his next goal in life is to become a father.
“I've always wanted to have a family – a family of my own,” he revealed.
“I've loved being an uncle and I would love being a father as well."
The Olympian came out as gay in 2014 during an exclusive interview with legendary talk-show host Michael Parkinson, after years of speculation and fending off rumours about his sexuality.