Aug 17, 2016
The Olympics is one of the most watched events seen around the world. From the opening ceremony to your favorite events, the pride and representation that countries feel is present. The pride and presence will also be felt in the LGBTQ+ community, as the most out athletes compete in this years games. Check out the athletes representing a few nations below!
USA
(image: Equalizer Soccer)
Ali Krieger – USWNT – Soccer
After missing the 2012 Olympics due to a torn ACL and MCL, she is more than fired up about making the roster Rio. She may technically be a rookie, but after being a part of the best defensive team in the World Cup, nothing about her play will look like a beginner.
(image from: People)
Megan Rapinoe – USA – Soccer
How is she able to have a record recovery from a Torn ACL during the victory tour? Because she’s a boss. Pinoe was able to put her all into rehabilitation and the world will be watching for the moment she is able to take the field.
(image: soccer.com)
Ashlyn Harris – USA – Soccer
Although Ashlyn was chosen as an alternate, if you’ve witnessed her play with the Orlando Pride she deserves every moment she has at the Olympics.
(image: NBC Sports)
Brittney Griner – USA – Basketball
If you haven’t caught any of the Women’s Basketball games, you need to. Griner is dominating on the courts, and looks to be growing more and more comfortable in high pressure situations. Get it, girl!
(image: NBA)
Seimone Augustus – USA – Basketball
Her crossover is a force to be reckoned with, and her play has seemed effortless since the Olympics began. Augustus is looking to earn her 3rd gold medal, and then head home to capture the championship with the Minnesota Lynx.
(image: USA Today)
Angel McCoughtry – USA – Basketball
Only coming out to the public a year ago, she has pushed through adversity and continued to be a key player in the WNBA and for the Olympic team.
(image: Yahoo Sports)
Elena Delle Donne – USA – Basketball
Getting engaged to Amanda Clifton and crushing in the Olympics, is there anything Elena Delle Donne can’t do? A gold medal and a ring will be nice additions to have after Rio!
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Jillion Potter – USA – Rugby
A true survivor, defeating cancer and recovered from a broken neck, Potter is the type of Olympian that needs to be showcased. With the Women’s Rugby Tournament being the first in Olympic history, Potter is fighting to the finish!
(image: goffrugbyreport.com)
Kelly Griffin – USA – Rugby
Team Captain for the women’s team, she moves as fast as the game does! A leader who is looking to make big changes for the future of Women’s Rugby, it was exciting to watch her and the team play!
(image: Bethesda Magazine)
Ashley Nee – USA – Kayaker
After missing out on the Beijing Olympics, due to a shoulder injury, it all looked downhill for Ashley Nee. A blessing in disguise, she ended up meeting her wife during that time. A love story for the ages, you can’t help but root for her as she competes in Rio.
Canada
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Melissa Tancredi – Canada – Soccer
Captain for the Canadian team, just helped lead the team into a historic win over Germany and is just a boss all around. Definitely, a person you want to watch!
(image: lapresse.ca)
Marie-Eve Nault – Canada – Soccer
She plays for a club team in Sweden, but hails from Canada, she represents both countries in the best ways. She’s been playing in international games for years, and is a veteran that is helping pave the way for a historic run in Rio.
(image: National Post)
Stephanie Labbe – Canada – Soccer
Goalkeeper for the Washington Spirit, she’s been working hard for her time to shine on Canada’s National team. Already posting a shutout in her first game, she has helped push the team to new heights in this tournament.
Great Britain
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Nicola Adams – Great Britain – Boxing
The first woman to win an Olympic boxing title, she now must defend it in Rio. Adams is a strong woman who owns her sexuality, while performing at her best on the world stage. She is truly an example of strength and confidence.
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Tom Bosworth – Great Britain – Race Walking
Tom Bosworth’s teammates were a vital component to his coming out story. Not wanting to take away from the focus of competing, he was able to open up and come out with plenty of support.
(image: dressage-news.com)
Carl Hester – Great Britain – Equestrian
In 2012, Hester was the only out Olympian representing Great Britain. Now, he is part of a group that is sure to grow before the 2020 Olympics.
(image: Wikipedia)
Tom Daley – Great Britain – Diver
Even though haters are trying to hide Tom’s adorable boyfriend from the media, the Bronze medal he’s won and the pride he has sharing it with his boyfriend is too big to hide!
(image: dot429.com)
Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh – Great Britain – Field Hockey
These two are the first gay-married couple to compete in the Olympics. What’s even better? For the same sport! Just having their presence on the pitch is fun to watch.
(image: zimbio.com)
Susannah Townsend – Great Britain – Field Hockey
Although Townsend is not playing on the pitch beside her wife, you may sometimes find them competing against each other. Townsend’s wife plays field hockey for South Africa, and while they may be competitors, they are still the most supportive couple around.
(image: eurodressage.com)
Spencer Wilton – Great Britain – Equestrian
This is Wilton’s first time competing in the Olympic games, and Dressage is one of the most supportive areas of competition for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Sweden
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Caroline Seger – Sweden – Soccer
Caroline Seger has played in the soccer spotlight around the world for more than a decade. She used to hide her sexuality, but now uses it as a means to reach out to other LGBTQ+ athletes and show support.
(image: Fifa)
Hedvig Lindahl – Sweden – Soccer
Another Swedish competitor that has been around for over a decade, Lindahl has a beautiful family with her wife and son as well as over 100 caps internationally. There is no stopping her!
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Lisa Dahlkvist – Sweden – Soccer
Soccer runs in her blood, as she is the daughter of another professional soccer player. Dahlkvist came out in 2008 and continues to grow her streak in international caps.
(image: Wikipedia)
Nilla Fischer – Sweden – Soccer
The passion she has for gender equality and gay rights on par with the passion she shows on the field. A fighter to the end, it will be exciting to see Sweden’s next match!
Netherlands
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Maartje Paumen – Netherlands – Field Hockey
Captain of the team, Paumen has already been considered a legend. Her teammates endearingly nicknamed Paumen “Queen of the drag and flick” for her signature move.
(image: hockeybank.nl)
Carlien Dirkse van den Heuval – Netherlands – Field Hockey
Heuval is ready to get in and get physical. She has a true understanding of the level of play, and with 2 wins already under their belt she is clearly a key factor in the success the Dutch are having!
(image: alchetron.com)
Hans Peter Minderhoud – Netherlands – Equestrian
Minderhound started riding at a young age, but did not begin Dressage until later in life. With husband Edward Gal competing, as well, it’s amazing to see the poise and class in his performances.
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Edward Gal – Netherlands – Equestrian
Married to Hans Peter Minderhoud, Gal has a history of impressing the crowd. Being the first to sweep three dressage gold medals at the FEI World Games, he will a rider to watch during the Olympics.
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Jeffrey Wammes – Netherlands – Gymnastics
After missing out on the 2012 Olympic games in London, Wammes has been a competitive force in the arena. Already giving strong performances, he is a standout!
(image: teamnl.org)
Marieke van der Wal – Netherlands – Handball
(image: Equally Wed)
Marilyn Agliotti – Netherlands – Field Hockey
A strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Agliotti is not afraid to use her voice and platform to spread acceptance. In interviews, she pushes for acceptance within the field hockey community and speaks out about equality.
Brazil
(image: Handbol Minuto)
Mayssa Pessoa – Brazil – Handball
One of the few athletes that were open about their sexuality at the 2012 Olympics, she now joins a major increase in out athletes.
(image: rio2016.com)
Larissa Franca – Brazil – Beach Volleyball
After an NBC commentator mistook her wife as her husband, no one will ever make that mistake again. Already crushing the competition with two wins, Franca and her teammate are favorites to take home the gold.
(image: newnownext.com)
Ian Matos – Brazil – Diving
Inspired by the coming out of Tom Daley, Matos came out in 2014 against the advice of a friend who said to wait until after the Rio Olympics. Stating that he did not want to feel the pressure of hiding his true self, he took that step and is happier for it!
(image: globoesporte)
Julia Vasconcelos – Brazil – Taekwondo
Confirming that she was a lesbian when talking with ESPN Brazil, this young woman as at the top of her game. Reaching new levels, she is ready for the competition that awaits in Rio.
New Zealand
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Robbie Manson – New Zealand – Rowing
After years of hiding his sexuality, his older brother ended up coming out to him. Two years after that interaction, Manson was able to come out himself, his family, and then his teammates.
(image: zimbio.com)
Katie Duncan – New Zealand – Soccer
After moving to Switzerland to be closer to her wife, she is still an active part of the New Zealand team. She was injured in the first game of the Olympics against USA, but has reported that she is feeling better and getting back in the game.
Germany
(image: zimbio.com)
Nadine Muller – Germany – Discus
Another athlete that has been competing for over a decade, she continues to improve in her game and personal records.
Australia
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Michelle Heyman – Australia – Soccer
One of the more popular LGBTQ+ athletes, as she uses her popularity to discuss issues and encourage acceptance. “Being an out athlete at the Olympics is an important opportunity to live my truth while competing at the highest level in sport.”
South Africa
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Sunnette Stella Viljoen – South Africa – Javelin
No stranger to a gold medal, she is currently ranked #1 in Javelin. Viljoen met her wife, TV anchor Limari Louw, at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
(image: supersport.com)
Caster Semenya – South Africa – Track & Field
With all the controversy over whether Semenya should be allowed to compete in Rio, there is one thing that cannot be denied…Caster Semenya is an amazing athlete.
Finland
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Ari-Pekka Liukkonen – Finland – Swimming
Liukkonen made history as the first Finnish athlete to come out while still participating in their sport. Stating that he could, “finally be himself” while encouraging conversation around acceptance on a large platform.
France
(image: Blog)
Melanie Henique – France – Swimming
Melanie Henique has experienced assault as a result of her sexuality, but that doesn’t stop her from speaking up about the issues around homosexuality and continuing to be one of the strongest swimmers around!
