Olympian Matthew Mitcham has become a gay icon the world over, but he’s keeping it all in perspective. Peter Hackney, caught up with the star diver for his first in-depth interview since winning Olympic gold.

“I’m not really that famous,” MM tells blaze, in his first major interview since Beijing, and a subsequent holiday in Europe to wind down. “I’m just not anonymous anymore, that’s all.”

“I do get recognised a bit ... It’s nice and humbling, but it still takes me by surprise. Someone will walk past and do a double take, then come back, shake my hand and say, ‘congratulations’. And for a split second, I’ll think, ‘Have they got the right guy? Who have they mistaken me for?’”

Not that famous? Well, his name is on the lips of Pamela Anderson, Perez Hilton and Kevin Rudd. Even Elton John is looking for an introduction. One day he’s on the cover of The China Daily and another, he’s on the front of American gay mag, The Advocate.

Many a celebrity has been sent into paroxysms of narcissism by such attention – but not Matthew Mitcham.

So, with all the attention, how does he stop himself getting a big head?

“Well, I don’t know. It’s not for me to say. All I know is that I don’t ever wanna be a different person than I was. Apart from what just comes naturally with growing up and getting older and wiser.”

And there’s a big part of the appeal of Matthew Mitcham, crystallised in that one simple response. Sure, he’s an Olympic hero; sure, he’s easy on the eye; yes, he’s a good role model for the gay community. But perhaps the most appealing thing about the Brisbane born-and-bred diver is his humility in the face of success.

In a world where everyone seems to be on the make, Matthew Mitcham is a refreshing change. Unlike some other athletes who come to mind, he’s not milking his Beijing experience like a frenzied cow. He’s not selling his story to the highest bidder, for instance, but is instead speaking to the gay press, and a community that has strongly supported him. He’s not hitting the party circuit, but has slipped back comfortably into his training, practising the sport he loves, spending his spare time (what little there is) doing ordinary things like catching up with friends and family, and hanging out with his partner.
Speaking of whom, how is the other half – the enigmatic Lachlan Fletcher – taking to all the attention?

“He’s still shy,” Matt chuckles. “He hasn’t done any media, really. He’s just taking it in his stride as well, with me doing my training, and having to go away to all these functions and events. He’s just helping me along, which I’m extremely grateful for.”

It all sounds so ‘nice’ and ‘normal’. Controversy is the last thing that comes to mind when Matt and Lachlan’s relationship is broached. Yet controversy is the only word for the aftermath of US television network NBC’s coverage of Matt’s historic win.

While other networks around the world ran interviews with Matt after his win, flanked by his Mum (Vivienne) and Lachlan, NBC didn’t. And despite intensive coverage of other athletes’ families, the American network failed to explore Matt’s background, and did not refer to Lachlan.

In the resulting storm of protest which ensued, there was nothing for NBC to do but apologise. Gary Zenkel, President of NBC’s Olympic coverage, issued a statement saying: "We regret that we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham's story. We apologise for this unintentional omission."

But in true Mitcham style, Matt seems unfazed by the fuss.

“I was busy with the Olympics at the time, so I was pretty much oblivious to it,” he recalls. “I did get sent links about it, so I found out about it, but in all honestly it wasn’t really my fight, and I wasn’t offended. It was other people that were making complaints and who were really into it.”

As for the endless speculation over sponsorship deals and advertising, Matt will only say: “There’s been expressions of interest, but nothing has been signed.”

There is one project, however, that Matt has committed to for the future.

 “I really want to meet Pamela,” he laughs. “I’d kill to meet her! She’d be a really cool, interesting person to meet, and if ever she’s out here again and wants to meet me, I’m free anytime!”

Even for Matthew Mitcham, fame has its perks.

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