Gus Kenworthy Moved by Intense Olympic Rivalry

Gus Kenworthy, the British American Olympic skier, has made a significant impact on the sports world. First coming out as gay in 2015, he became the first openly gay athlete in extreme sports. Ahead of his participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Kenworthy shared his thoughts on the television series Heated Rivalry and its connection to his life.

Finding Parallels in Heated Rivalry

In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Kenworthy expressed that he was profoundly moved by the portrayal of closeted queer athletes in Heated Rivalry. He noted that the series resonated with his own experiences, highlighting both personal and professional challenges.

Key Themes of Representation

Kenworthy specifically referenced an episode featuring a character named Scott Hunter, relating to Hunter’s struggles with being open about his sexuality. Kenworthy stated, “I had the same yearning — to be in love, to be public, and to not have to hide.” The connection to his own life experiences lent a heartfelt weight to the series for him.

His reflections on a particular episode that struck a chord with him illustrate how media can impact athletes. “The third episode changed things for me,” Kenworthy shared. He emphasized how unexpected it was to feel so deeply connected to the story presented.

His Own Journey as an Athlete

• Olympic Achievements: Kenworthy won a silver medal in men’s slopestyle at the Sochi Games.
• Acting Ventures: He has appeared in notable series like American Horror Story and 80 for Brady.

As he prepares for his role in Team GB at the upcoming Olympics, Kenworthy humorously mentioned that he is open to participating in Season 2 of Heated Rivalry, citing his high school hockey experience.

The Show’s Influence on Conversations in Sports

Heated Rivalry has sparked important discussions about masculinity in elite athletics. This global phenomenon, streaming on HBO Max, has garnered attention since its premiere in late November.

Stars of the show, including Hudson Williams, have reported receiving supportive messages from closeted athletes across various sports, emphasizing the impact of their stories. As Kenworthy prepares for his Olympic comeback, his reflections highlight the importance of representation and open dialogue around LGBTQ+ issues in sports.