Coming out is also topsport

There is a lot of respect for althlets, which is somewhat logical since they make great achievements. But where is the respect when they come out of the closet? Male athletes are especially hesitant to come out. But it seems there is very cautious shift happening. Jeffrey Wammes, Dutch gymnast, recently told that he is gay.

Openness
In Sweden, the soccer player Anton Hysen (20) came out of the closet. In an interview he gave to the Swedish magazine ‘Offside’, he said: "I am a soccer player and I am gay. If I perform well as a soccer player I do not think it would matter if I like girls or boys." Although many, including his father (former Liverpool player), are proud of him, he knows that his openness could affect his soccer career. But for him, this is the same as racism other althlets face. 

Double Life
England cricketer Steve Davies had the courage to come out about his homosexuality. He came out five years ago to his family. Last year he told his team, just before the beginning of a major tournament in Australia. He first told his coach. Together they decided the whole team should know. His coach and the captain called all the players on Steven’s behalf with the message: "Steven is gay and wants you to know, but it's no big deal". Everyone on the team responded positively. Steve was relieved, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. It was not easy to lead a double life. He was never fully comfortable when travelling with the team. But now he could finally be honest. And as the Steven’s coach says, it's no big deal because your performance was not any less, coming out of the closet as a professional athlete. 

Contribute
The EuroGames would therefore like to contribution this summer to enabling acceptance of homosexuality among athlets. Because really, coming out is a sport ?!