In the Paris 2024 Olympics, at least 191 LGBTQ+ athletes are competing. While not all have publicly revealed their sexual orientation, some are openly out. Grindr has been banned in the Olympic Village to prevent privacy violations related to athletes’ sexual orientations. This decision follows a 2016 incident where Daily Beast published an article about athletes using Grindr during the Rio Olympics. Although the article did not name the athletes, it revealed their weight, height, and nationality, leading to privacy concerns and issues for athletes from countries where being LGBTQ+ is criminalised. Daily Beast later apologised and removed the article. To avoid similar issues this year, the Olympic Committee has banned Grindr in the Paris Olympic Village.
But Grindr is not our main focus. In this video, we will discuss the athletes who are openly out as gay.
Tom Daley
Tom Daley, known for his impressive diving career and knitting at the Olympics, captured the internet’s attention with his knitting photos from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Born on May 21, 1994, in Plymouth, England, Daley displayed remarkable diving talent from a young age. He joined a diving club at seven and won the European Championship at 13, becoming the youngest-ever European Champion. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics at just 14, one of the youngest competitors there.
Daley has garnered multiple medals in World Championships and Commonwealth Games, establishing himself as a top diver. At the 2012 London Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the 10m platform event, solidifying his prominence in the sport. His first Olympic gold came in the synchronized 10m platform event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021.
In his personal life, Daley came out as gay in 2013 via his YouTube channel, receiving widespread support for his bravery. He married American screenwriter Dustin Lance Black in 2017, and they welcomed their first child in 2018, now having two children together.
Arthur Nory Mariano
Arthur Nory Mariano, a prominent Brazilian gymnast, came out as gay in 2021, becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. His coming out was met with widespread support, making him a role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community. Nory uses his platform to promote diversity and inclusion in sports, inspiring others with his openness and courage.
In terms of his personal life, Nory has shared glimpses of his relationships on social media, though he tends to keep details about his private life relatively low-key.
Nory’s athletic achievements include winning a bronze medal in the men’s floor exercise at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a significant accomplishment that garnered him national and international recognition. This Olympic success, coupled with his advocacy work, makes Arthur Nory a highly influential figure both in and out of the gymnastics arena.
Gus Kenworthy
Gus Kenworthy, born on October 1, 1991, is a celebrated freestyle skier who came out as gay in 2015, making significant strides for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. His announcement garnered widespread support, and he has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
In his personal life, Kenworthy has been open about his relationships on social media. He was previously in a relationship with actor Matthew Wilkas, and their relationship was widely publicized and supported within the LGBTQ+ community.
As for his Olympic achievements, Kenworthy won a silver medal in slopestyle skiing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, marking a major milestone in his career. His bravery in coming out and his success in skiing make him an influential and inspirational figure both on and off the slopes.
Eric Radford
Eric Radford, a Canadian figure skater born on January 27, 1985, came out as gay in 2014, becoming a significant figure in LGBTQ+ sports representation. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Radford is married to Spanish ice dancer Luis Fenero; the couple’s relationship has been a prominent and positive example of same-sex partnerships in the skating community.
Radford’s Olympic achievements include winning a gold medal in the team event and a bronze medal in the pairs event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, alongside his skating partner Meagan Duhamel. These accomplishments have solidified his legacy as one of the top figure skaters in the world.
Mark Tewksbury
Mark Tewksbury, a Canadian swimmer born on February 7, 1968, came out as gay in 1998, becoming a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in sports. Tewksbury is known for his relationship with his long-term partner, Robert McPherson.
Tewksbury’s Olympic achievement includes winning a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, solidifying his status as a top swimmer and an influential figure in both the sports and LGBTQ+ communities.
Robbie Rogers
Robbie Rogers, an American soccer player born on May 12, 1987, came out as gay in 2013, becoming one of the first openly gay male athletes in a major North American sport. He is married to TV producer Greg Berlanti, and they have two children together.
Rogers’ soccer career includes playing for the U.S. national team and clubs like Leeds United and LA Galaxy. He was part of the U.S. squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, adding to his notable achievements in the sport.
Adam Rippon
Adam Rippon, an American figure skater born on November 11, 1989, came out as gay in 2015 and has since been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He is married to Jussi-Pekka Kajaala, a Finnish real estate broker.
Rippon’s Olympic achievement includes winning a bronze medal in the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where he was celebrated for his performances and his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports.
Blake Skjellerup
Blake Skjellerup, a New Zealand speed skater born on February 7, 1986, came out as gay in 2010, becoming one of the first openly gay athletes in winter sports. He is married to Michael Willett, an American actor, and they are known for their supportive relationship.
Skjellerup competed in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, representing New Zealand in speed skating. His openness about his sexuality and his achievements in sports have made him a notable figure in both the LGBTQ+ and athletic communities.
Orlando Cruz
Orlando Cruz, a Puerto Rican boxer born on July 1, 1981, came out as gay in 2012, making him one of the first openly gay professional boxers. He is married to his partner, José Manuel, and they have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
Cruz competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a featherweight, representing Puerto Rico. His courage in coming out and his achievements in boxing have made him a significant figure in both sports and LGBTQ+ advocacy.