New Zealand Olympian Blake Skjellerup Comes Out

New Zealand Olympian short track speed skater Blake Skjellerup, seen below competing in the recent Vancouver Winter Games, has come out. The 24 year old is the country’s only short track speed skater, and while not medalling, he did qualify for the quarterfinals in 10,000 meter event. Skjellerup has been in Calgary, Alberta for the past 18 months, training at the Olympic facilities. His boyfriend, also a competitive athlete, lives with him in Calgary, and the two intend to stay in the country, where they are legally able to marry. Skjellerup says that “we are not yet at the point in society where being gay sportsperson is not a big deal. If I was asked during any of my twenty-something interviews at the Olympics whether I had a boyfriend or a girlfriend – in the same sentence – I would have replied honestly, but i may have replied hesitantly.” The most interesting part of the interview is an acknowledgement by Skjellerup that the obvious existence of homophobia in sport is the reason for athletes to come out during their careers, not long after. “Gays are too given a stereotype,” says Skjellerup, “Back when I was 18, and becoming serious about my sport and my Olympic goals, if I could have seen an athlete like myself out there – with whom I could relate to – my journey would have been a lot easier. (American figure skater) Johnny Weir meets a specific stereotype, I meet a specific stereotype, and (Welsh rugby player) Gareth Thomas meets another. Being gay is just like any other personality trait: it’s multifaceted. I can’t personally relate to Weir or Thomas, and nor will many other young gay athletes out there. But maybe some of them will see something in me to relate to. The more types we provide, the more we’ll appeal to people who are struggling with their sexuality.”