Pride on the Podium: 7 Inspiring Out Olympians Who’ve Shaped Sports History
These proudly out Olympians have helped pave the way for LGBTIQ+ athletes (Photos: Instagram)
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games take place from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, August 11. It’s one of the world’s most viewed sporting events, with over 2 billion supporters.
To get in the spirit, we’re celebrating LGBTIQ+ representation in sport with a look at a few of the iconic out Olympians who’ve graced Olympic arenas and stadia over the years.
Tom Daley
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Date of Birth: May 21, 1994
Born in Plymouth, England, Tom Daley’s diving career started early. Just days after turning 10, he won the British national junior platform title in 2004. Making waves, he became the youngest-ever European champion in swimming or diving by scoring a surprise victory at the European Championships in Eindhoven four years later.
Daley’s Olympic journey began at just 14 years old during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where he became the youngest British Olympian since 1960. Over the years, he amassed accolades, including a bronze medal at London 2012 and another bronze in Rio 2016, followed by a remarkable gold alongside Matty Lee in Tokyo 2020.
In 2013, Daley courageously came out as LGBTIQ+ in a heartfelt YouTube video. He later went on to share his happiness with his boyfriend, and now husband, Dustin Lance Black, an American film and TV producer. Their relationship, despite the age gap of 20 years, has been a beacon of love and support, inspiring many within the LGBTQ+ community.
Daley returns to the Olympic stage in Paris.
Gus Kenworthy
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Date of Birth: October 1, 1991
Gus Kenworthy gained recognition not only for his exceptional skills in freestyle skiing but also for his bold act during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Despite harbouring a dream of kissing his boyfriend on the podium, Kenworthy couldn’t summon the courage to do so at the time. However, in 2015, he took a monumental step by openly declaring his truth on Twitter, marking a pivotal moment in his personal life and professional career.
The decision to come out was met with an outpouring of support, catapulting Kenworthy into the spotlight as an LGBTQ+ icon. His unwavering authenticity has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of sports, serving as an inspiration for others to embrace their identity without fear.
Eventually, at a later event, Kenworthy did have the opportunity to share a kiss with his boyfriend, symbolising a powerful moment of love and acceptance on the Olympic stage.
Sean Gunn
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Date of Birth: December 23, 1993
Representing Zimbabwe in swimming, Sean Gunn’s journey to the Olympics was marked by authenticity. At the University of Kentucky, he found the courage to come out to his teammates and friends, receiving an outpouring of support. His Olympic dream became a reality at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, where he competed in the men’s 100-metre freestyle event. Gunn’s story reflects the power of acceptance and self-discovery, serving as an inspiration to LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide.
Sunette Viljoen
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Date of Birth: October 6, 1983
Sunette Viljoen has left an indelible mark on the Olympic stage as a javelin thrower, securing a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite grappling with rejection from her family in South Africa, Viljoen has remained unwavering in her authenticity, living openly and unapologetically alongside her partner, local news anchor LiMari Louw. Viljoen’s resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals, showcasing that love and success know no bounds. These days, Sunette is in the midst of a flourishing cricket career, a sport in which she first made her international debut for South Africa in 2000.
Caster Semenya
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Date of birth: January 7, 1991
Caster Semenya is a South African renowned middle-distance runner, boasting two Olympic gold medals, three world championship titles, and two Commonwealth Games gold medals in the 800m event. Her exceptional talent and dominance on the track have solidified her status as one of the most celebrated athletes in South Africa and beyond.
In addition to her remarkable athletic achievements, Semenya has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and athlete rights. She made headlines with her courageous legal battle against regulations imposed by World Athletics, which required women athletes with naturally high testosterone levels to undergo medical interventions. Her landmark victory at the European Court of Human Rights affirmed her right to compete authentically, challenging discriminatory policies in sports.
Off the track, Semenya shares a strong and supportive relationship with her wife, Violet Raseboya, whom she married in 2015. Raseboya has been a steadfast source of encouragement and solidarity for Semenya throughout her journey, highlighting the importance of love and companionship in overcoming challenges.
Semenya’s story is not just one of athletic excellence but also resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to her principles. She serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals worldwide, embodying the values of authenticity, equality, and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.
Robert Dover
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Date of Birth: June 7, 1956
As an equestrian, Robert Dover broke ground as the first openly gay Olympian, competing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His decision to come out sparked a movement of acceptance and inclusion within the equestrian community, paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes. Dover’s legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of authenticity, inspiring athletes to embrace their true selves without fear or hesitation.
Ian Thorpe
Date of Birth: October 13, 1982
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Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, known as the “Thorpedo,” has left an indelible mark on the world of sports. With five Olympic gold medals to his name, Thorpe’s achievements are nothing short of legendary. In 2014, he came out as gay, sharing his journey to self-acceptance with the world.
Thorpe’s openness and vulnerability have shattered barriers, fostering greater acceptance and understanding within the athletic community. His story continues to inspire countless individuals to live authentically and unapologetically.
As we bask in the triumphs of these legendary queer and out Olympians, it’s not just their medals that shine brightly, but also their unwavering courage in being true to themselves.
Their journeys represent more than just athletic feats; they symbolise the strides we’ve taken towards LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
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