Gymnast Josh Dixon could be making history. Over the weekend he finished 2nd in the U.S. Men's Qualifier for the Olympics, tying in floor exercise and high bar.
The historic piece is he would be the first openly gay Olympic gymnast.
Josh tells
Outsports that he started exploring his sexuality in his junior year and later dated another collegiate athlete. Then, he decided to come completely out to his teammates.
What was particularly cool to them was Josh’s willingness to share that very personal part of his life with them. Word spread quickly through the gymnastics world. “A lot of guys in the gymnastics community talk,” Dixon said.
When he arrived for training in Colorado Springs last winter, his suitemate asked Dixon if the rumors were true.
“Oh that’s cool,” was the response.
In fact, Dixon said he has not had a single negative response “in any way, shape or form.” If anything, the only homophobia he has encountered has been from within himself. He acknowledges he once felt internal pressure about being a gay man in what some label the “gay sport” of gymnastics. He didn’t want to fall into a stereotype. But he’s come to embrace it, and he says his sexual orientation now makes him stand out more at the elite level. While he stands out, he isn’t the only one. Dixon knows of at least three more still competing in college, and he says he is not the only elite-level American gymnast who is gay.
Hopefully, they are inspired by Josh to come out as well. I think their support of each other could strengthen their spirits.
