The 2024 Paris Olympics have marked a historic moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports, with a record-breaking 195 openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing on the world stage. This year’s Games not only witnessed a surge in the number of out athletes but also celebrated the achievements and stories of those who continue to challenge stereotypes and inspire young athletes around the globe.
As the Paris Olympics unfolded, these athletes collectively, known as “Team LGBTQ,” made their mark by finishing 7th in the overall medal count with 42 medals, including 15 golds, 13 silvers, and 14 bronzes. If counted as a country, they would have placed 6th in the traditional medal ranking—an extraordinary achievement for the team that symbolises courage, authenticity, and pride.
But why does queer visibility in sports matter so much? Why are these stories of coming out, competing, and winning as openly LGBTQIA+ athletes more than just individual victories? As you read on, you’ll hear directly from some of the world’s most celebrated athletes about their journeys. The challenges they’ve faced. And why representation on this scale has the power to change lives—and the future of sports.
Challenging Stereotypes and Inspiring the Next Generation
“Being out at the Olympics was honestly such a dream come true,” said Gus Kenworthy, Olympics skier. “I felt such a weight off my shoulders.” Gus became the first openly gay skier in 2015.
Gus Kenworthy
For many Olympians, stepping onto the world stage as their true selves is about more than just winning medals. It’s about representation and the powerful message that queer athletes belong in sports. Legendary tennis star and LGBTQ+ activist Billie Jean King emphasised the importance of this visibility: “Sports are a microcosm of our society,” she said. “It is so important for young people to see this progress. And identify with athletes who look like them and live like they want to live.”
Reflecting on his experience at the Sochi Olympics, where Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws forced queer athletes to stay closeted, Kenworthy said, “Sochi took a toll on me psychologically. I found myself lying in all the interviews right after the medal… I was just lying.” His experience underscores the profound impact that societal acceptance—or the lack thereof—can have on athletes.
However, things changed when Kenworthy in 2018 publicly embraced his identity at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics where a photo of him kissing his then-boyfriend went viral. This visibility, he realised, wasn’t just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for others.
Visibility Beyond the Competition
The visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes at the Paris Olympics extended beyond their performance in competitions. Sportswriter and Outsports co-founder Cyd Zeigler noted that watching athletes celebrate their wins with friends, family, and teammates also played a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions about queer acceptance in sports. “For generations, gay, bi, and trans people have felt marginalised in sports or completely rejected,” Zeigler said. “[Visibility] is particularly important to the LGBTQ+ athletes from the 170 countries with no out athletes.”
Throughout the Games, there were numerous moments worth celebrating: Team USA rugby star Alev Kelter proposed to her girlfriend after leading the U.S. to a bronze medal. Australian sports climber Campbell Harrison kissed his partner after competing. And Italy’s Alice Bellandi kissed her girlfriend after winning a gold medal in judo. Even in the stands, LGBTQ+ representation was strong, with British diver Tom Daley’s husband and their two sons cheering him on as he won a silver medal.
Campbell Harrison and his partner
Queer voices were also represented in the commentary, with former Team USA gymnast Laurie Hernandez, who has been dating fellow gymnast Charlotte Drury since 2020; gaining fans for her spirited commentary during NBC’s live coverage. The importance of this representation was underscored by NBCU executive vice president and chief diversity officer Craig Robinson. He emphasised that LGBTQ+ visibility was “vitally important” in the network’s coverage of the Games.
The Impact of Representation
For many athletes, the journey to embracing their identity has been fraught with challenges. But the support and solidarity they’ve found in the sports community have made all the difference. Former NFL player R.K. Russell, who came out as bisexual in 2019, described coming out as a “liberating experience.” He shared, “It freed me from the doubt that I didn’t belong in the world of sports as a bisexual man. Or that I didn’t belong in the hypermasculine sport of football.” Russell believes that seeing someone like them competing at the highest levels can change the lives of young athletes.
This sentiment is echoed by Conor McDermott-Mostowy, a U.S. speed skating champion and 2026 Olympics hopeful. He recalled having no gay role models growing up and hopes that changes for the next generation. “It’s difficult to believe you can reach the Olympics. Let alone the podium, when you don’t see anyone like you there,” he said. “The only way to inspire queer kids to chase Olympic dreams is to show them that those dreams are achievable.”
Conor McDermott-Mostowy
A Bright Future for LGBTQ+ Athletes
The 2024 Paris Olympics have proven to be a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ visibility in sports, showing the world that queer athletes are not just participants but champions. There is still work to be done. Especially in mainstream sports leagues, the progress made at these Games is undeniable. As sports continue to evolve into a more inclusive space, the stories of these athletes will inspire future generations to be proud of who they are. And pursue their dreams without fear.
As Bill May, is a synchronised swimming champion from the 1990s. He who came out of retirement for the Paris Olympics, said, “It is a wonderful opportunity for the LGBTQ+ athletes and supporters to use that platform to promote the strength and love of our community. Through examples of perseverance.” May’s words serve as a reminder that the fight for visibility and acceptance in sports is ongoing. But with each step forward, the path becomes a little clearer for those who follow.
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