The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are shaping up to be a historic event for queer and trans athletes. Every week seems to bring another “first” in the world of sports, and this year’s Games will be no exception. Here’s a look at some of the athletes making headlines and breaking barriers.
Nikki Hiltz: USA, Track and Field
Journey and Advocacy
Nikki Hiltz has made history as the first openly nonbinary athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic track team. They secured their spot by winning the 1,500-metre race at the U.S. Olympic trials with a record-breaking time of 3:55.33. Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, has been an outspoken advocate for trans visibility in sports and has shared their journey to Paris on TikTok, inspiring countless fans.
“This is bigger than just me. It’s the last day of Pride Month. I wanted to run this one for my community,” Hiltz said after their win.
FOX SPORTS, DNyuz
Achievements
- Qualified for the U.S. Olympic track team by winning the 1,500-metre race.
- Uses their platform to advocate for trans visibility and support the LGBTQ+ community.
Socials
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/nikki-hiltz
Sha’Carri Richardson: USA, Track and Field
Resilience and Comeback
Sha’Carri Richardson’s story is one of resilience and determination. After being disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics for testing positive for cannabis, she made a powerful comeback by winning gold at the 2023 Track & Field Championships. Richardson’s journey back to the Olympics is highly anticipated, as her athletic prowess and personal story, and bright hair and fingernails, continue to captivate audiences.
Achievements
- Won gold at the 2023 Track & Field Championships.
- Known for her determination and resilience in the face of adversity (NBC Olympics) (Paris 2024 Olympics).
Socials
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/shacarri-richardson-1154903
Hergie Bacyadan: Philippines, Boxing
Trailblazing Journey
Hergie Bacyadan is set to make history as the first trans man to compete in Olympic boxing. Competing in the women’s division, Bacyadan has expressed that his “heart and mind are male.” His journey, competing pre-hormones, highlights the complex intersections of gender identity and competitive sport.
Achievements
- First trans man to compete in Olympic boxing.
- Advocates for understanding and inclusion in sports (OutSports) (Philstar.com).
Tom Daley: UK, Diving
Veteran Diver
Veteran diver Tom Daley is heading into his fifth Olympic Games. The openly gay athlete, married to American filmmaker Dustin Lance Black, has gained significant popularity not only for his athletic prowess but also for his knitting and crochet projects shared on social media. Daley’s charm and openness have made him a beloved figure both in and out of the pool.
“In Tokyo, I finally got to a point with perspective that no matter how I did, I’m going home to a family that loved and supported me,” Daley said.
The Independent, Paris 2024 Olympics
Achievements
- Competing in his fifth Olympic Games.
- Known for his gold medal in the 10m synchronized event and his engaging social media presence (OutSports) (OutSports).
Socials
Instagram – Facebook – YouTube
Quinn: Canada, Soccer
Historic Firsts
Canadian soccer player Quinn made history as the first nonbinary athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. Returning to the Olympics to defend their title, Quinn’s presence continues to be a significant milestone for nonbinary visibility in sports.
Achievements
- First nonbinary athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.
- Key player in Canada’s national team, aiming for another victory in Paris (OutSports) (Team Canada Olympics).
Socials
Brittney Griner: USA, Basketball
Resilient Return
Brittney Griner’s return to the Olympic court is one of the most anticipated events of the Games. This will be her first Olympic appearance since being detained in Russia. Griner’s resilience and strength have made her a symbol of perseverance, and her performance in Paris is expected to be a highlight of the basketball tournament.
“I’m never going overseas to play again unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics,” Griner stated after her release.
Cronkite News, People
Achievements
- Returned to the court after detainment in Russia.
- Previously won gold medals in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Cronkite News) (People).
Socials
Timo Cavelius: Judo
Breaking Barriers
Timo Cavelius is set to make history at the Paris Olympics as the first openly gay male judoka to compete in the Games. At 27, Cavelius has already made significant strides in his sport, including winning the German National Judo Championships in January 2023.
“In sport, the topic was taboo for me for a long time, not only because I had repeatedly read horror stories in the media about athletes coming out,” Cavelius shared.
GCN, OutSports
Achievements
- First openly gay male judoka to compete in the Olympics.
- Won the German National Judo Championships (OutSports) (OutSports).
Socials
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Paris Olympics will not only showcase incredible athletic talent but also represent significant strides for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. These athletes are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and inspiring the world with their courage and dedication. As we cheer them on, let’s celebrate their achievements and the progress they symbolize for queer and trans athletes everywhere.
Sources: