Tom Bosworth, a race walker who is considered one of Great Britain’s great hopes for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, revealed publicly that he is gay and has been in a loving relationship for the past four year. Bosworth says this news won’t shock anyone who knows him, but he hopes his announcement will help more athletes feel comfortable enough to reveal their sexuality. Bosworth, 25, revealed that when he was younger there has been some negative feedback.
“When I was competing in local athletics a number of years ago, some other athletes called me ‘fag’ or ‘queer,” Bosworth said. “When I was at school, when those feelings were still developing, I had my head smashed through a window by a group of boys.”
He says some of his teammates have been very intrigued, but they eventually realize he’s just like everyone else. “I know there will always be people who have a problem with my sexuality, but one person’s opinion doesn’t affect me now, as I have support from my parents and partner.”
Watch Tom discuss his private life with BBC below.
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Kevin Davis
Well he certainly chose the right sport. Racewalking is one of the gayest looking and funniest sport to watch
Leonard Woodrow
Well done, Tom, and good luck for the future! I’m sure your courageous move will help many youngsters to have more confidence in who they are.
Robert Barber
Love “Ginger is he one on right?Civilized over there,but always great for kids to see any kind “Athlete come out.May be big over there?
viciouslies
A gay British Olympian named Tom… in an age-appropriate relationship??? This IS progress.
SteveDenver
@Leonard Woodrow: Nice comment! Bosworth is honoring the truth of his life and the man he loves. Not sure why some commenters need to find the snippy angle, I guess they’re petty and sad.
Peter Bradbury
Must have been harder for him to come out as ginger James Castle
Ogre Magi
So which one is the top?
David Bradbury
Yay, we got another one.
John Kuehnle
This is happening everywhere these days, well, eccept in Hollywood
Giancarlo85
I would like to see a Premier League, La Liga or Series A player come out of the closet. We all know football (soccer as some call it) is still quite behind.
Billy Budd
Awesome.
DavidIntl
@viciouslies: Sorry, but your comment really gets under my skin. “Approriate” is in the eye of the beholder.
Jim McHardy
Good for him and I hope he has much happiness
Giancarlo85
@DavidIntl: Well he does have a point. He is in a relationship with someone his age and not someone as old as his dad.
GayEGO
Congratulations to Tom and his partner and may they have many years of happiness!
drivendervish
What the hell is a racewalker? Is it any different then the gait I shift into when chasing a hot chicken in a crowded bar?
Michael Clifford
The more that come out, the better it will be for all of us.
Halina Tantau
Yes ! Good for HIM !!! I’m soo happy for YOU ! God bless