'I would love being a father': Ian Thorpe reveals desire to start his own family as the Olympian hints at marriage with boyfriend Ryan Channing

By Benjamin Potter For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 12:13 GMT, 25 November 2017 | Updated: 12:58 GMT, 25 November 2017

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He's one of Australia's greatest ever Olympic swimmers.

But Ian Thorpe is now looking to claim his biggest ever achievement - starting a family.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, the 35-year-old said his experience being an uncle to his sister Christine's first child inspired him to want to begin a family of his own.

'I would love being a father': Ian Thorpe has revealed his deire to start his own family after his experience being an uncle

'I've always wanted to have a family - a family of my own,' he told the publication.

'I've loved being an uncle and I would love being a father as well.'

Ian came out as gay in 2014, after years of heavy media speculation that dogged his swimming career, and is now in a loving relationship with partner and model Ryan Channing.

'I've always wanted to have a family': Ian claims that the one thing that's missing from his life is to have children and start a family

'Ask me after Christmas': Ian remained coy on whether he would marry partner Ryan Channing, in the wake of the 'Yes' vote for same-sex marriage in Australia

Starting a family together would be the icing on the cake for the couple, who are still celebrating Australia's historic 'Yes' vote in this years same-sex marriage survey.

But Ian claims that's a whole other can of worms.

'As for getting married, you'll have to ask me after Christmas (the anticipated parliament approval date for same-sex marriage),' he said.