The Mid-20th Century: Hidden Identities and Coded Queerness

As the Olympic Games evolved through the 20th century, the presence of queer athletes remained largely unspoken. There were, however, instances of athletes whose sexual orientation or gender identity became known later or who navigated their queerness within the restrictions of the time.

One example is Tom Waddell, an American decathlete who competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Waddell was not publicly out during his Olympic career, but after retiring from competition, he became a pioneering LGBTQ+ activist and founded the Gay Games in 1982, an international sporting event specifically for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Another significant figure is the German high jumper Dora Ratjen, who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Ratjen was later revealed to have been intersex, leading to scrutiny and controversy around the treatment of athletes whose gender identities did not fit societal norms. The handling of Ratjen’s case highlights the complexities and prejudices faced by queer and gender-nonconforming athletes.

The 1980s and 1990s: Visibility Amidst the AIDS Crisis

The 1980s brought a growing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, but it also came with the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis. During this time, a few queer athletes began to come out, though doing so was still incredibly risky.

One of the most notable athletes of this era is Greg Louganis, the American diver who won gold medals in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. Louganis, who is gay, kept his sexual orientation and HIV-positive status hidden during his competitive career due to the stigma surrounding both being queer and living with HIV. When Louganis came out publicly in 1995, it was a watershed moment that sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ athletes and their place in sports.

During the 1990s, more athletes began to speak openly about their identities, contributing to a shift in the perception of queer athletes. Canadian swimmer Mark Tewksbury, who won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, came out in 1998 and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.

The 2000s: A New Era of Acceptance and Representation

The turn of the 21st century marked a significant shift in the visibility and acceptance of queer athletes at the Olympics. As more countries began to pass anti-discrimination laws and recognize LGBTQ+ rights, the Olympic stage also started to reflect this progress.

The 2004 Athens Olympics saw the first openly transgender athlete, New Zealander Laurel Hubbard, compete in weightlifting, although her path was met with both support and controversy. The increasing openness about LGBTQ+ identities was exemplified by athletes like Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, who won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was one of the few openly gay athletes at those Games. Mitcham’s victory and his candidness about his identity were celebrated as milestones for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

The 2010s: Visibility on a Global Stage

The 2010s saw an unprecedented rise in the number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes at the Olympics, reflecting broader societal acceptance. At the 2012 London Olympics, more than 20 openly queer athletes competed, marking a new level of visibility. Among them was Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. soccer star who has since become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and social justice.

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics highlighted the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the infamous "gay propaganda" law, led to international outcry and raised concerns about the safety of queer athletes and fans. Despite this hostile environment, several athletes, like Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst, competed and spoke openly about their identities. Wüst, who identifies as bisexual, became one of the most decorated speed skaters in Olympic history and used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility.

The 2016 Rio Olympics set a new record for LGBTQ+ representation, with over 50 openly queer athletes participating. British diver Tom Daley, who had come out as gay in 2013, won a bronze medal and was one of the most visible LGBTQ+ figures at the Games. Daley’s openness and activism have since made him a role model for queer youth worldwide.

The Path Forward: Representation, Activism, and Inclusivity

The progress made in recent years is undeniable, but challenges remain. Queer athletes continue to face discrimination, particularly in regions where LGBTQ+ rights are still under attack. Transgender athletes, in particular, have been subject to intense scrutiny and debate over their participation in competitive sports. However, the growing number of openly queer athletes at the Olympics signals a broader cultural shift toward inclusion and acceptance.

As more athletes step forward and live authentically, they inspire the next generation of queer youth to pursue their dreams, whether in sports or beyond. The history of queer athletes at the Olympics is a story of courage, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of equality. Each victory, whether it’s a medal or the decision to live openly, brings us closer to a world where everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love, can compete and thrive.