After publicly coming out to the world, 2014 Olympic slopestyle silver medalist Gus Kenworthy is now explaining why he waited. He told the Chicago Tribune about his difficult decision to stay in the closet while competing in Russia. When Kenworthy would let his mind wander into how his perfect Olympics might play out, he imagined a fantasy scene. He’d land his best tricks on his final run, win a medal and then jump into the stands to kiss his bf.
“The idea of kissing my boyfriend at the bottom of my run would’ve been, in addition to me coming out, a silent (screw) you to the anti-gay legislature in place in Russia. That would’ve been an amazing way to come out.”
Because he wasn’t ready, the journey to Sochi was far less perfect.
“I felt like I was already being so courageous with my body and my actions and the things I was doing in order to try to win and be the best. Then, I was being such a coward in this other way, where I wouldn’t let anyone know. So they were battling each other. I’m excited where those two things can go hand in hand.”
Winning athletes always go on their post-Olympic interview tours and Gus faced all sorts of personal questions. He was asked about his celebrity crush and he lied. Miley Cyrus. But the truth was, at the time he was nothing more than a casual fan of hers. (They are now friends.)
If you remember, he was the “Dog Guy” who saved a bunch of dogs that were abandoned in Russia? Well, he couldn’t tell the real story there either but the person who did most of the hard work with the dogs was his boyfriend at the time. He stayed behind in Russia for more than a month to get them back to the States.
“He got zero credit and I was getting asked about it on every show and in every interview.”
Gus said he likes the idea of coming out while he’s at the top of his game, while people in his sport — especially kids — are paying attention. Tiger Shaw, the CEO of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association says.
“We admire Gus for having the strength to tell the world who he is as a person, and paving the way for others to do the same.”
So, how will a gay skier be received among his fellow daredevils?
“I don’t know what the future has in store, but I’m kind of looking forward to it.”
(Photos, Instagram; via Chicago Tribune)
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