Mitcham Named Aussie
Health Ambassador

Gay Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham was named Thursday to be one of his country's ambassadors for men's health. The Australian diver, who won the 10-meter platform competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, will be an advocate for the country's policy on men's health.

Mitcham replaces one of the first men's health ambassadors, Fatherhood Foundation president Warwick Marsh, who was ousted for writing that homosexuality is a "gender disorientation pathology" stemming from sexual abuse and personality disorders, according to The Australian.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon described Mitcham as a "courageous man," citing his struggle with depression and anxiety, after which he claimed Olympic gold.

Aboriginal health advocate Mick Adams and Tasmanian doctor Rob Walters were also named ambassadors on Thursday. They will join David de Kretser, Tim Mathieson, Bill Noonan, Barry Williams, and John Macdonald. The ambassadors will focus on topics such as preventable cancers, sexual health, and illicit drug abuse. (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)