A New Standard for Visibility in Winter Sports
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are already shaping up to be a benchmark for LGBTQ+ representation. With a contingent of more than 40 publicly out athletes from across the globe, the narrative has shifted from mere participation to serious medal contention. After just the first weekend of competition, the rainbow flag is not just flying in the stands; it's being represented on the top step of the podium.
Breezy Johnson: A Comeback Forged in Gold
Country: USA
Sport: Freestyle Skiing
Medal: Gold, Women's Downhill
For American freestyle skier Breezy Johnson (picured), this gold medal is more than just a win; it's a validation. After a crushing injury forced her to withdraw from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, her debut in Milan was fraught with pressure. She answered that pressure by delivering a technically flawless and blisteringly fast downhill run to claim the gold. Johnson, who identifies as bisexual, has been a vocal presence in the sport, and her victory demonstrates a resilience that extends far beyond the ski slopes. It's a powerful comeback story for an athlete who refused to be defined by setbacks.
Amber Glenn: Grace and Power on Ice
Country: USA
Sport: Figure Skating
Medal: Gold, Team Event
Figure skating has long been a sport with a significant queer following and participation, yet often one with a conservative, closeted culture at its highest levels. Pansexual skater Amber Glenn is part of a new generation challenging that status quo. As a key member of the dominant US figure skating team, she secured her first Olympic medal—a gold—in the high-stakes Team Event. Glenn’s performance was a blend of athletic power and artistic expression, contributing vital points to her team's victory. Her presence as an out pansexual woman on the Olympic podium is a significant step forward for visibility within one of the Winter Games' marquee sports.
Mathilde Gremaud: The Swiss Powerhouse Continues Her Reign
Country: Switzerland
Sport: Freestyle Skiing
Medal: Gold, Women's Slopestyle
Mathilde Gremaud is no stranger to the Olympic podium, but her consistency is what makes her remarkable. The Swiss freestyle skier, now in her third Games, added another gold to her already impressive collection, which includes medals from both Pyeongchang and Beijing. By winning the Women's Slopestyle again, she cements her status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Gremaud's continued dominance provides a sustained, high-profile example of a European queer athlete at the top of her game, proving that longevity and openness can go hand-in-hand.
