Canadian swimmer Markus Thormeyer, who competed in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay team in the 2016 Olympics, just came out of the closet.
Thormeyer, now 22, shared his coming out story in an emotional essay for OutSports. In it, he recalls the shame of hiding his sexuality from his teammates.
“Creating these intimate bonds with my teammates was amazing, but it also made me feel guilty at the same time.” he writes. “They were exposing their most raw essence in the pool every day, but I would come to the pool emotionally guarded and not do the same. Following every interaction with my teammates, I would feel a bit sad because they weren’t getting to know the real me, just some surface-level shell I fabricated.”
He then goes on to explain that he feared rejection from the team should he ever open up about being gay. He feared hostility from his teammates, or that he would lose a shot at competing in the Olympics.
“I didn’t want to take that chance, so I kept my walls up and generally avoided talks about sexuality and dating.”
Related: Actress Rosario Dawson comes out
That stress eventually took its toll on Thormeyer led to an emotional breakdown, and forced him to come out to his teammates. Thankfully, they welcomed him without judgment.
“Knowing that I had such amazing teammates supporting me so strongly regardless of my sexual orientation was one of the best feelings in the world…There was no drama and it was exactly what I wanted.”
Thormeyer also says his swimming improved after coming out.
“My training got better, I got stronger and my technique got sharper. Not only that, but I also broke down some walls between me and my teammates and our relationships flourished. Training with them fostered relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Since coming out, Thormeyer has gone on to win the gold in the 200-meter backstroke and bronze in the 100-meter backstroke in the FINA Champions Swim Series in China. Ultimately, Markus decided to share his story to offer comfort to other athletes, and encourage them to come out too.
“I want to share my story and be able to spread the message that it’s OK to be gay. Life is much better when you fully embrace you for who you are.”
MelchiorGabor
Visibility is so important. Thanks for your courage, Markus.
Den
Thanks Queerty for deleting those dating site spam posts!!
It’s about time.
ingyaom
Dude is statuesque.
TheAbsoluteTRUTH
Scared about coming out to his teammates as if most swimmers and especially divers aren’t gay enough already..sheesh
CityguyUSA
Apparently Queerty is the new dating app for people that manipulate their abs along with other parts. What great exposure and all because they came out of a closet somewhere in the world. I don’t even know who this person is or why they deserve to be the attention of any article.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
How’s about it is unfortunately not completely acceptable for Gay athletes to come out. And when one does come out, is accepted and excels it IS newsworthy on a GAY site
What is also unfortunate is the increasing number of vile obnoxious, pernocious, abhorrent trolls who slither onto this site. And post ignorant, pathetic, inane garbage in the comments….
succubus
PWWO. Yo fool… I thought you died…..if not what’s that smell….. you foul scum
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Ok, he’s gay. But he doesn’t come off as one whose xhamster video’s get many hits. Maybe he should have left all of his clothes on.
succubus
maybe he should have stayed “in”. He’s 22, how the hell does a 22 y/o have a history of being in the closet….. give me a phucking break. I am sure there is not one person who ever met him that didn’t know he ate bananas.
succubus
it’s a cruel world…. wake the F up…. if not you could maybe one day realize you are an old lost insignificant phag with the moniker “PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS”. Just saying.
nirthboy69
Wow! wow.
Reading your comments – you have a most appropriately chosen handle.
Just sayin’.
Delete your account.