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In February of 2014, in Sochi, Russia, the now 24-year-old Gus Kenworthy skied his way to a silver medal on the world’s greatest stage. Part of the inaugural U.S. Olympic slopestyle team, Gus did the Red, White and Blue proud earning a 93.60; the Telluride, CO-native was joined by two of his countrymen—Joss Christensen and Nick Goepper—on the podium, marking a United States sweep of the first-ever Olympic ski slopestyle contest. Subsequently, Gus enjoyed a great deal of media exposure. The spotlight continued to shine on Gus as he announced, and ultimately executed a plan to adopt a family of stray dogs, discovered on-site in Sochi. In the blink of an eye, Gus went from a household name in the world of skiing to household name in the realm of Olympic and pop-culture enthusiasts—i.e. he blew the f#ck up.
While the world adores Gus for his Olympic achievement, his continued support of the “Sochi pups” and his commitment to supporting the International Humane Society, the skiing community maintains tremendous respect for Gus’ well-rounded skiing skill and his consistent appearances on the sport’s most prestigious podiums. In a day and age where many competitive freeskiers are hyper-focused on one of the various disciplines—slopestyle, halfpipe and big air—Gus competes and succeeds across all three, an endeavor which he himself has referred to simply as “exhausting.”
The man has arguably the largest following of any freeskier on Earth; he’s highly active on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter. And today, Gus’ reach takes another tremendous leap.
Via social media this morning, Gus has announced he is gay. Gus becomes the first World-Champion-caliber action-sport athlete to make such a declaration. ESPN simultaneously released an exclusive interview with Gus.
“Gus Kenworthy started coming out to his family and closest friends nearly two years ago,” writes Alyssa Roenigk. “His mom said she knew. His brother said he was proud. His best friend voiced unrelenting support. And if Gus Kenworthy were an average 24-year-old, the announcement — the story — might have ended there. But Gus Kenworthy is not an average 24-year-old. He is the top freeskier on the planet, an Olympic medalist, a face of the X Games. He is an elite athlete competing in the world of action sports, where sponsors — and income — are inextricably linked to image. In other words, he is an athlete with a lot to lose. But Gus Kenworthy is ready to tell that world, his sport, his truth. And so, as we sit down together in Los Angeles in September, he begins the only way he knows how: ‘I guess I should start by saying, I’m gay.'”
The interview can be read in its entirety, here.
We’ll certainly look to catch up with Gus ASAP. For now, on behalf of the gang here at FREESKIER, I wish to extend congratulations to Gus on this momentous day. We’re proud of you, bud. LGBT sportspeople certainly have a wonderful opportunity to inspire positive change and to battle intolerance; we look forward to seeing how Gus utilizes his influence in this regard in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Gus Kenworthy – Recent Highlights
– Five-time defending AFP World Champion, 2011-present
– 1st Place, Air + Style big air, 2015
– 1st Place, U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Park City, UT, 2015
– 3rd Place, U.S. Grand Prix slopestyle, Park City, UT, 2015
– 2nd Place, SFR Freestyle Tour slopestyle, France, 2015
– 3rd Place, U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Mammoth, CA, 2015
– 2nd Place, Winter Olympic Games slopestyle, 2014
– 1st Place, Dew Tour slopestyle, 2014
– 1st Place, Dumont Cup slopestyle, 2014
– 2nd Place, U.S. Grand Prix slopestyle #2, Park City, UT, 2014
– 3rd Place, U.S. Grand Prix slopestyle #1, Park City, UT, 2014
– 3rd Place, U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe #2, Park City, UT, 2014
Gus Kenworthy – Video Highlights
Gus Kenworthy on Instagram
Twitter Reacts
Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
I am gay. pic.twitter.com/086ayvChq2
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
“I want to be the guy who comes out, wins and is like: ‘I’m taking names.’”-Gus Kenworthy » https://t.co/lAlaaOWTjB pic.twitter.com/4qrmZCIxQF
— X Games (@XGames) October 22, 2015
A huge day in action sports, the @Olympics and in @guskenworthy's life. We stand with him and support him. https://t.co/TSUYG1xXIc
— U.S. Freeski Team (@usfreeskiteam) October 22, 2015
So proud and amazing to see you so strong !!!! ???????????? @guskenworthy couldn't be happier for you https://t.co/VNSdHe5yfD
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) October 22, 2015
Congrats @guskenworthy, proud of you. https://t.co/cKuGuWEoeb
— Nate Abbott (@nabbott) October 22, 2015
Gus Kenworthy medaled at Sochi and became an X Games star. His next bold move? Coming out.https://t.co/VbtARLp7ND pic.twitter.com/z6FprsuebO
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2015
Proud of you @guskenworthy! You're the man!
— Tom Wallisch (@TWallisch) October 22, 2015
And you are awesome, @guskenworthy! https://t.co/J1cqRyj35e
— Mike Douglas (@MikeDski) October 22, 2015
Big ???????? to 5x World Ski Champ @GusKenworthy. This still isn't easy. But Gus just made it easier for the next person. pic.twitter.com/m6krhpW2PU
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 22, 2015
Really happy because @guskenworthy is the man! So proud of you. It takes courage. Legend.
— Michelle Parker (@MyshellParker) October 22, 2015
So proud of you @guskenworthy You have always impressed me with your skiing, kindness and courage. But today, I am in awe.
— Grete Eliassen (@GRETEGIRL) October 22, 2015
Gus you are the man! So proud of you for this I know it couldn't have been easy but we're all supporting you #GoGus https://t.co/jclEbTrhzX
— sage kotsenburg (@sagekotsenburg) October 22, 2015
.@guskenworthy We are PROUD to say you are part of #TeamUSA! pic.twitter.com/RKD49HQtiW
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) October 22, 2015
So proud of this guy. https://t.co/M0KS69cw54
— Cody Townsend (@codytownsend) October 22, 2015
@guskenworthy @aurosan @espn @KyleKriegerHair @Nike @atomic @GoPro @MonsterEnergy congratulations <3<3
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) October 22, 2015
Just watched my story air on @ESPN @SportsCenter and I'm all choked up. Tears of joy! Thanks for your support 🙂 pic.twitter.com/A1VUHZh3Pb
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." – Dr. Seuss
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
I mean, in a sport dictated by bravery, isn't being the first openly gay action sports athlete require the most bravery? @guskenworthy wins.
— Cody Townsend (@codytownsend) October 22, 2015
Olympian Gus Kenworthy: ‘I am gay‘ https://t.co/Y6DqFrxAPW pic.twitter.com/i2NnPZpc6N
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 22, 2015
Silver medalist freestyle skier @GusKenworthy: 'I am gay.' https://t.co/QeymbaI9NW pic.twitter.com/PQ3DX7fE5P
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) October 22, 2015
Telluride freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy comes out; says Sochi wasn't right time https://t.co/CbEVpTSA0q
via @AP pic.twitter.com/O2LCzIDT27— Denver Post Sports (@DPostSports) October 22, 2015
We couldn't be more proud of @guskenworthy. We're lucky to have such a courageous athlete in the freeski community. https://t.co/Um0T5HIUVm
— AFP (@AFPWorldTour) October 22, 2015
All it takes is 5 minutes looking at Twitter responses / comments to understand the immense bravery required. https://t.co/2ErkoGTFI2
— Nate Abbott (@nabbott) October 22, 2015
???????????????? – My man. F*ck yeah @guskenworthy https://t.co/EK1hAjoeF2
— TJ Schiller (@tjschiller) October 22, 2015
Big news in #NYC today @guskenworthy @espn @ESPN_Alyssa #TimesSquare pic.twitter.com/DWLKA1Z6id
— Mike Douglas (@MikeDski) October 22, 2015
I'm really happy with how this @AP article turned out. If you're up for a lil' more reading check it out: https://t.co/QVqzvdqs8w
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
@guskenworthy Proud of you, never stop being who you are! Much love from your #GoPro family.
— GoPro (@GoPro) October 22, 2015
World champion skier Gus Kenworthy comes out as gay https://t.co/86o4LI2vGz pic.twitter.com/Afvjld0r9D
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 22, 2015
What a heavy story. A proud moment in the history of skiing and all other action sports for that matter. #GoGus .https://t.co/62lxvqFJ2T
— Dash Longe (@DashLonge) October 22, 2015
Miley's Instagram post about @guskenworthy ???? pic.twitter.com/X5EFnm5YlF
— MileyCyrus Updates (@CyrusIsMyVirus) October 22, 2015
Olympic skiing champ @GusKenworthy comes out https://t.co/gdaLwTqUee pic.twitter.com/aZALVahXn0
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) October 22, 2015
Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy becomes first openly gay action sports athlete: https://t.co/BgOdI3W6PL pic.twitter.com/4Ux8qTn0qv
— Mashable (@mashable) October 22, 2015
Way to be yourself @guskenworthy can't wait to see the runs you're gonna throw down with all that weight off your shoulders.
— Trennon Paynter (@trennonpaynter) October 22, 2015
@guskenworthy always a fan since the Rage Films days, you've been killing it forever, proud of you for coming out, keep skiing like you do!
— Tim Durtschi (@TimDurtschi) October 22, 2015
Proud of you Gus! This is amazing, you are a great role model for anyone. https://t.co/VTOp5oOVo8
— Keltie Hansen (@KeltieH) October 22, 2015
We are proud of you @guskenworthy! Today’s announcement shows even more courage than what you show as a freeskier.https://t.co/XbUXqvCaw3
— Dew Tour (@DewTour) October 22, 2015
A lot of love for guskenworthy today from down here in #NZ. Proud of you bud! Nothing's changed for… https://t.co/RRuaRmLTJG
— Mike Riddle (@mike_riddle) October 22, 2015
Proud of my dude @guskenworthy … Be yourself. https://t.co/udL9ZtOK8j
— Justin Dorey (@Justin_dorey) October 22, 2015
You are a strong individual to make such bold moves,your a boss @guskenworthy https://t.co/yOeDYijDkf
— Dale talkington (@daletalkington) October 22, 2015
Thanks so much for paving the way and being such an inspiration! https://t.co/BBjvswYtOV
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
.@ESPN_Alyssa shares what went into @guskenworthy's decision to come out via @ESPN The Mag https://t.co/Omkds1YUIa pic.twitter.com/LPpuYjflLr
— ESPN Front Row (@ESPNFrontRow) October 22, 2015
Congrats @guskenworthy, so proud of you and so happy to see the tremendous support by the ski community! ❤️???????????????? https://t.co/ZSLIazZLmU
— Kim Lamarre (@kim_lamarre) October 22, 2015
Way to go @guskenworthy you stomped it!
— Jonny Moseley (@jonnymoseley) October 22, 2015
Good on ya Gus, respect for being true to yourself! https://t.co/t1CKX8fOrW
— Jon Olsson (@JonOlsson) October 22, 2015
Your a very inspiring individual to make such bold moves. Proud a ya brother! @guskenworthy cc: @HuffingtonPost pic.twitter.com/bQfsDG5cyj
— Sean Pettit (@seanpettit) October 22, 2015
@guskenworthy I'm really proud of you man. It takes a lot of courage to do what you’re doing and my respect for you is more than ever now!
— Nick Goepper (@NickGoepper) October 23, 2015
Despite hundreds of online marriage proposals the first (and only) person to send me flowers is my mom… #imaloser pic.twitter.com/x7GOv0JUtg
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 22, 2015
Still awake. Spent the past few hours reading all your tweets and I've never felt more loved. Thank you, again, for your kindness & support!
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 23, 2015
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