Michael Gunning is entering the summer with one goal in mind: to make the Paris Olympics the gayest games ever.
The elite swimmer, who retired from the pool four years ago, will become an ambassador for Pride House Paris 2024. Pride House is an inclusive venue present at all major international sporting events, with a mission to create an open and inclusive atmosphere.
Gunning will serve as an ambassador for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games for the first time.
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“The Olympics bring people together and we want to help inspire, educate and empower everyone who arrives in Paris to prepare for the world's biggest sporting event.” he said. attitude mug.
Gunning, who is almost 30 years old, has represented Great Britain and Jamaica during his 16-year career, setting eight national records, winning three British titles and two World Aquatics Championships.
Gunning was born in England, but rose to prominence in international swimming representing his father's home country of Jamaica. During his childhood, he overcame the vile notion that black people were inherently bad swimmers and won his first national swimming title at age 13.
Soon Gunning became the most accomplished swimmer in Jamaican history. He holds national records in the 200m butterfly, 200m and 400m freestyle events.
But that doesn't mean his life was easy. Jamaica is one of the most homophobic countries on earth, and gay relationships are illegal.
With that dark reality in mind, Gunning knew that coming out could put his safety at risk. But he came out and announced it on a dating reality show anyway. The By Life2018.
Gunning continued to represent Jamaica after this episode, but was threatened by his compatriots.he said strange There were many positive messages he received that kept him going.
“It's always difficult to talk about certain subjects in public, but when I came out, it was important for me to come out because it was the missing piece of the puzzle in my life,” he said. Told.
“It was incredibly hard to receive so much hate online, but the positive messages really helped me get through the darkness and showed me that I am never alone. When we come together and shine as one, the light always outweighs the darkness and I felt it was amazing that I could be an inspiration to so many people around the world just by being me. ”
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Gunning's experience living his life as an openly gay athlete is a key reason for his involvement with Pride House. He understands how powerful sports can be.
“Sport is a better place when everyone can be who they are. I'm forever grateful for all the support that has shaped me into the athlete and person I am today,” he said. Told.
There is already one Olympic athlete who cites Gunning as a role model. Scottish swimmer Daniel Jarvis. He won the 1,500m freestyle at the British Olympic Trials on Thursday, qualifying for his second Summer Olympics.
Jarvis came out publicly in 2022, just before the Commonwealth Games.
“When I looked at Michael, I could see how proud he was,” he said. “I wanted to be like him too. What I liked about him was how much he helped me without me knowing. That's what I wanted to do for someone. I messaged him and he messaged me back too. He really helped me through that experience.”
Jarvis enjoyed his Olympic experience in Tokyo, but his time in Paris this summer will be even more enjoyable. His family and partner were in attendance for his victory Thursday.
“To be honest, this is probably the best moment of my swimming career. I'm very lucky and have a great support network – my family, my friends, my partner,” he said in a post-race interview. He spoke at “What a moment. I'm so happy.”
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That's the impact Gunning hopes to have on LGBTQ+ athletes. After his retirement, he has continued to expand his career opportunities, working as a TV personality and presenter in the UK.
Gunning, a regular on the red carpet scene, said she makes the biggest impact outside of the pool.
“I still have a lot to offer the world,” he said in an interview. guardian. “The amount of lives I impacted means more to me than any medal.”
Above all, Gunning doesn't want LGBTQ+ children to experience the isolation she once felt.
“I felt so ashamed of myself. [orientation] “Growing up, I didn't want anyone else to feel that shame,” he said. daily mirror. “After my journey so far, I have realized that many people probably feel like they are not good enough, that they are not worthy of being alive, that they are not worthy of being happy in this world. And we wanted to prove that even if you're different, we can actually be happy.”
In that regard, Gunning said he looks forward to the day when LGBTQ+ athletes can be who they are without the extra attention or fanfare.
“That said, I look forward to the moment when being 'out' no longer matters,” he said. “And athletes and coaches can drop the names of their loved ones without repercussions in the media, just like straight couples.”
Gunning will work with three other Pride House Paris 2024 ambassadors, including transgender artist Louise, LGBTQ+ activist Amazine Letty and Australian Paralympic rower Nicky Ayers, to move society in that direction. It is said that
A record 186 athletes will compete in Tokyo, and even more may compete in Paris this summer. And Gunning will enjoy a front-row seat.
