The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina has made history with the participation of nearly 50 out athletes, showcasing exceptional talents from various countries. As events unfold from February 6 to 22, the Games have already seen impressive performances, with several queer athletes clinching medals in their respective sports.
Outstanding performances by LGBTQ+ athletes
Among the remarkable stories emerging from this year’s Winter Olympics, American skier Breezy Johnson has made headlines by winning a gold medal in the women’s downhill event. This victory marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first out LGBTQ+ athlete to achieve gold at these Winter Games. Johnson, who identifies as bisexual, missed the previous Olympics due to injury but returned with determination and skill, pushing herself to excel against fierce competition.
Other notable medalists
Another athlete making waves is Mathilde Gremaud from Switzerland, a seasoned competitor now participating in her third Olympic Games. Gremaud has previously earned a silver and bronze in past events, and she added to her accolades by winning gold in Women’s Slopestyle at Milan. Her consistent performance demonstrates the resilience and talent of queer athletes on the Olympic stage.
Safeguarding privacy and identity
As the excitement surrounding the Olympics grows, the importance of privacy and safety for LGBTQ+ athletes cannot be overstated. In response to the unique challenges faced by these athletes, the hookup app Grindr has implemented measures to protect user anonymity within the Olympic village. These features are designed to ensure that queer athletes can engage freely without fear of exposure, especially in a setting where some countries still criminalize homosexuality.
Grindr’s commitment to safety
Grindr’s Chief Product Officer, AJ Balance, highlighted the need for heightened privacy during the Olympics, stating that the global attention athletes receive can pose significant risks, especially for those from countries where being gay is dangerous. By disabling certain location features in athlete-only areas, Grindr aims to shield users from potential harm that could arise from unintended visibility.
A record-breaking representation
This year’s Winter Olympics is notable not only for the athletic achievements but also for the record number of out athletes participating. With over 41 LGBTQ+ competitors representing 13 different nations, this event marks a significant step forward for visibility and representation in sports. Countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several others are proudly showcasing their diverse talents.
Team LGBTQ+ making history
The Team LGBTQ+ initiative is dedicated to tracking the progress of these athletes, celebrating their victories, and advocating for greater representation in both Winter and Summer Olympic Games. Amber Glenn, a pansexual figure skater, also impressed audiences by winning gold in the team figure skating event, further cementing the historic success of queer athletes at these Games.
Looking ahead
As the Winter Olympics continue, the anticipation builds for more groundbreaking performances. Athletes like Elis Lundholm, who is set to compete as the first trans man in the women’s moguls qualifying event, are breaking barriers and redefining the landscape of competitive sports. The ongoing commitment to inclusivity and representation promises to inspire not only athletes but also fans worldwide.
The 2026 Winter Olympics serve as a testament to the power of sports to unite and uplift, providing a platform for all athletes to showcase their talents, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. With each medal won, the narrative of LGBTQ+ representation in sports strengthens, paving the way for future generations.