Swimmer Michael Gunning on LGBTQ visibility in sport: ‘Ditching ‘masculine’ pre-race walk made my times faster’

Michael Gunning (Image: Provided)

Just under two weeks ago, millions of people came together to watch the spectacular opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics. Despite the rain and disappointing wet camera coverage, I was deeply moved by this joyous celebration of queer culture and inclusivity on the international stage. For LGBTQ+ athletes like me, the ceremony’s celebration of 130 years since the modern Olympics began demonstrated a huge shift, and a historic movement for our community has finally begun. I rarely used to see people like me represented at the Games, but this year’s feature a record number of openly LGBTQ+ competitors. It’s a sign that attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are changing and that athletes are finally feeling safer to be their true selves in sport.

You might ask: ‘Why does

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