Gus Kenworthy Shares Candid Reflections on Life Before Coming Out as Gay
In a remarkably honest new interview, Olympic freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has opened up about his past, detailing what life felt like before he publicly came out as gay. The 34-year-old athlete spoke with The New Yorker in an interview published on Sunday, January 25, revealing how a recent television show prompted deep reflection on the years he spent hiding a significant part of his identity.
The Viral Miley Cyrus Moment and Its Aftermath
Kenworthy became a global name after winning a silver medal for the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. However, it was a year later, in 2015, that he publicly came out as gay. Before that pivotal moment, Kenworthy described feeling trapped between the person people perceived him to be and his true self.
He recounted a specific incident from February 13, 2014, right after he and his teammates swept the podium in Sochi. The following day was Valentine's Day, and during media interactions, reporters asked him about his "dream date" and "celebrity crush." Kenworthy admitted he panicked, not feeling ready to speak his truth at that time.
"I kind of froze and said Miley Cyrus," he shared. This answer quickly spread across the internet, with Miley Cyrus herself responding and following him on social media. While the attention felt surreal, Kenworthy explained it also carried a heavy burden.
"I felt like I was digging a deeper hole," he said, acknowledging that he was still concealing a major aspect of his life. He noted there was friendly messaging between them and he genuinely admired the pop star, but internally, he knew this wasn't the life he wanted.
"I didn't want to keep waking up and pretending," Kenworthy emphasized, a feeling that persisted until he chose to speak openly in 2015.
Finding Reflection in Television Drama
Kenworthy also discussed watching a show called Heated Rivalry, which follows the hidden life of a famous hockey player. Initially, he approached it as just another sports drama, not expecting it to affect him personally.
However, the third episode profoundly changed his perspective. It focused on a closeted athlete navigating fame and secret relationships, and Kenworthy found himself deeply connected to the character's experiences.
"I saw myself in him," he revealed. "I don't think I've ever felt that kind of reflection before." He explained that the character's desire to be open, coupled with the fear of losing everything, mirrored his own feelings for many years. The story moved him so much that he even wrote to the show's creator to express his appreciation.
Looking Forward to Future Olympic Endeavors
Today, Gus Kenworthy lives openly as a gay athlete and continues to pursue his sports career with authenticity. He is set to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, marking a new chapter after previously competing for the United States in 2014 and 2018.
His journey from hiding his true self to embracing his identity serves as a powerful narrative of personal growth and resilience in the world of professional sports.
