Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist: "I'm Gay"

[JackTwist]

This past weekend, Australian Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski announced he is gay. The 34-year-old, who won four Olympic medals during his career, said he was "tired of living a lie." Full Story: http://www.theage.com.au/national/out-and-proud-kowalski-tired-of-living-a-lie-20100417-sliy.html

 

 

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3268/daniel5.jpghttp://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5558/daniel2b.jpg

 

http://www.thewaterisopen.com/images/uploads/daniel_kowalski.jpghttp://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2661/daniel4p.jpg

[+ Lucky]

We'll see if this photo stays up:

 

Kieren Perkins and Daniel Kowalski congratulate each other

 

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http://www.fiveaa.com.au/lib/images/gallery/normal/Keiren-Perkins-103966.jpg

[Boomer]

This past weekend, Australian Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski announced he is gay. The 34-year-old, who won four Olympic medals during his career, said he was "tired of living a lie." Full Story: http://www.theage.com.au/national/out-and-proud-kowalski-tired-of-living-a-lie-20100417-sliy.html

 

 

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2648/daniel2z.jpghttp://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3268/daniel5.jpg

 

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3096/daniel4s.jpghttp://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1996/danielkowalski.jpg

 

 

What did we miss?

[JackTwist]

Glitch...

 

Sorry guys--I hope the pics of Kowalski stay up this time.

[Toulouse]

Loneliness and Being Gay

 

Interesting article on his coming out journey. His most telling comment to me:

 

“but mostly it was the loneliness that was the hardest part of being gay – and still is.”

 

Looking back, I remember how being closeted adversely affected my own confidence. I wish him the best. Something tells me he won’t be lonely for too much longer.

[Guest]

Australian Olympic Gold medalist Matthew Mitcham was out at a much earlier age/stage in his career. That takes a lot more courage than coming out once your sports career is over. Matthew Mitcham is a lot more handsome, too.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Matthew_Mitcham.jpg

[Guest greatness]

cute indeed

 

I love Australian guys. They are so hot. Sam Worthington is so hot too.

[Pegasus]

Congrats

 

Each person has to make their own decision in their own time and on their own terms. For some people the flower blooms later than for others. Congratulations, Daniel, on taking this monumental step towards peace and resolution.

[GoodFella69]

Australian Olympic Gold medalist Matthew Mitcham was out at a much earlier age/stage in his career. That takes a lot more courage than coming out once your sports career is over.

 

Unicorn, I get where you're coming from. My heart goes out to this man, and it seems like he's really struggling. But my story is very different from his. I also came out later in life (my early 40's) but coming out was a wonderful experience for me and I celebrate that I am gay. I am so grateful that God created me this way, but it has taken me years to reach this point. I love my life, my family, my friends and my career--I wish all of that for Mr. Kowalski.

[CowboyUp]

Australian Olympic Gold medalist Matthew Mitcham was out at a much earlier age/stage in his career. That takes a lot more courage than coming out once your sports career is over. Matthew Mitcham is a lot more handsome, too. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Matthew_Mitcham.jpg

 

With all due respect, man, please lighten-up a bit on this guy. I find him to be admirably courageous. With such negativity from some critical queens in our community, I'm surprised lesbians and gays over 30 y/o ever come out of the closet. Where's the love, man?

 

As outsiders, we know almost nothing about Daniel K's personal circumstances, such as his family dynamics, relationships with close friends, preconceived conflicts with his faith, finances, medical history, future career goals, and so many other issues that one must assess when coming out. It would be wonderful if everyone was certain that he/she is gay and was compelled to come out as a teen. Even better if he/she was empowered and supported by society to do so. That's just not realistic for everyone in every corner of the world in 2010. As a military veteran, I understand the cognitive dissonance one faces when coming out--especially in their 30's or later. I don't understand why one should be labeled less "courageous" for coming-out on their timetable instead of yours.

 

Less you think coming-out is only courageous if you do it early and that there are not severe consequences for many who come out too soon, consider these 3 media headlines from this week:

 

Service Members Discharged in 2009 for Being Gay: 443

http://www.towleroad.com/2010/04/443-service-members-discharged-in-2009-for-being-gay.html

 

Teenage Girls Try to Push Lesbian Peer Off Cliff to Her Death

http://www.towleroad.com/2010/04/teenage-girls-try-to-push-lesbian-off-cliff-to-her-death.html

 

EDMONTON LESBIAN ATTACKED IN ANTI-GAY HATE CRIME

http://www.towleroad.com/2010/04/edmonton-lesbian-attacked-in-antigay-hate-crime.html

 

I celebrate Daniel's courage and congratulate him. I also respect your right to disagree with me and your right to voice your opinion with full conviction. Peace to all.

[Guest]

I think maybe my post came off as more of a criticism of Daniel than it was meant to be. That being said, I greatly admire those courageous enough to come out from the get-go. When a gay guy comes out after his reason for fame has come and gone, it does send somewhat of a message that only a has-been can come out of the closet. Of course, I understand everyone has his own struggles, and I cannot and do not intend to criticize Daniel without even knowing him.

That being said, when I hear of a man like Matthew Mitcham come out before he even won his Olympic Gold medal, it really makes me cheer and think "Way to go!". When a man comes out after the fact, I think "That's nice." I did read the book of Canadian Gold Medialist Mark Tewksbury, MSM, however, so I realize how difficult life can be for a gay athlete, even in what would think would be a more enlightened country like Canada.