Image: Pink News (Instagram/nicokeenan | Crave)
A Story That Hit Too Close to Home
For many, a TV show is a form of escape. But for Argentine field hockey star Nicolás Keenan, watching the gay hockey romance series Heated Rivalry was like looking in a mirror. The show, which follows the story of a closeted New York Admirals captain, Scott Hunter, falling for a man, unexpectedly reflected Keenan’s own hidden reality: being a top-tier athlete in love with one of the Netherlands' most prominent politicians, Rob Jetten.
In a recent interview with Pink News, Keenan opened up about the surreal experience. He explained that he “really related” to the story, but watching the fictional character navigate a secret relationship brought on a wave of guilt about his own past actions.
“I was a closeted professional hockey player, so for me it was really hard,” Keenan admitted. “I felt really ashamed watching the show that I could put someone in that situation.” That someone was Jetten, the leader of the D66 party and a key figure in Dutch politics.
An Olympic-Sized Secret
The parallels between Keenan's life and the TV drama were stark. Just like the character on screen, Keenan was competing at the highest level of his sport while keeping his relationship a secret from the world. He went through an entire four-year Olympic cycle while closeted, a period of immense professional pressure compounded by personal secrecy.
While Keenan was on the field representing Argentina, Jetten could only watch from afar, supporting his partner from the television screen. “Poor guy, he was watching my games on TV for quite a long time before actually coming to one of my games,” Keenan recalled. The emotional toll was immense, and Keenan knew he couldn't endure another cycle hiding who he was. “I couldn’t go through another one,” he said, referring to the experience of not being able to “be myself.”
Finding the Confidence to Be Seen
While the pressure of secrecy was challenging, Keenan credits Jetten with giving him the strength to finally step into the light. The relationship with the Dutch politician wasn't just a reason to stay hidden; it ultimately became his reason to come out.
“The moment I met Rob, it really felt like he was the right person to shout to the world, ‘OK, I’m in love with this guy,’” Keenan shared. It was Jetten’s support that provided the final push he needed.
“He gave me the trust and the confidence to really go outside and say, ‘OK, I’m a hockey player, and I’m in love with this guy as well.’”
Today, Keenan and Jetten are engaged and have become a visible and inspiring couple in both the sports and political arenas in the Netherlands. Their journey from a secret, long-distance relationship to a public engagement is a powerful testament to the confidence that comes from finding the right person.
