Gus Kenworthy: From Olympic Slopes to Silver Screen

Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy’s journey from a celebrated Olympic athlete to a rising star in Hollywood is a narrative rich with talent, resilience, and groundbreaking moments. As he continues to evolve and inspire, Kenworthy’s story is a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self and the multifaceted nature of talent.

Backstory: The Rise of an Olympic Star

Born in 1991, Kenworthy’s early life in a Colorado ski town set the stage for his future in freestyle skiing. His Olympic debut at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games not only marked his first appearance but also the inaugural event for ski slopestyle and ski halfpipe. Kenworthy’s silver medal win here was just the beginning of a remarkable sporting career that would see him become one of the most decorated athletes in his field.

What truly set Kenworthy apart, however, was his decision to come out publicly as gay in 2015, making him the second out gay man to compete for Team USA in the Winter Olympics. This brave step transformed him into an icon of LGBTQ+ representation in sports, a role he embraced wholeheartedly. His advocacy work, particularly for animal rights and LGBTQ+ causes, showcased his commitment to using his platform for positive change.

A New Chapter in Hollywood

Transitioning from the slopes to the screen, Kenworthy’s recent foray into acting marks a new chapter in his career. His latest project, “The Sacrifice Game,” sees him stepping into new territory. This eerie cult horror film from filmmaker Jenn Wexler offers Kenworthy a chance to showcase his acting range beyond the comedic roles he’s previously undertaken. In this film, he explores more serious, fear-driven themes, displaying his adaptability as an actor.

In a revealing interview with Queerty, Kenworthy opened up about the challenges of carving out a career in Hollywood and his aspirations for future roles. He expressed a keen interest in diverse characters, including a dream to star in a gay rom-com, potentially alongside Richard Madden.

A Multi-Dimensional Personality

Apart from his professional pursuits, Kenworthy’s personal life is equally dynamic. He is open about his experiences, including his mental health journey and his advocacy for environmental causes. His candidness in sharing both his highs and lows, especially through social media, offers a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of his life, resonating with fans and followers globally.

Looking Ahead

As Gus Kenworthy continues to explore his talents in both the athletic and entertainment realms, his journey remains an inspiring example of versatility, courage, and authenticity. From winning Olympic medals to capturing hearts on the big screen, Kenworthy’s multifaceted career is a testament to the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and live authentically. His story is not just about the triumphs in skiing or acting but is a narrative of breaking barriers and embracing every aspect of one’s identity.


About coming out

Gus talked to Ask Men about how it is to live proudly as a gay man while being an active athlete and about how he seeks to use his position to empower others.

“I knew that it was going to be a good thing for me [to come out], and I hoped that it would be a big step forward for me and that it would help people in the process,” Gus said.

“I was hoping that if it helps a handful of kids, one kid, then it was all worth it.

“I just think I was scared that it was going to be a negative thing for my career, and it was maybe going to be the end of me skiing and me being successful. I truly didn’t think there was space for it.”

Gus says he understands that there are certain dynamics especially in team sports that can make it hard for a gay athlete to come out, but he doesn’t believe that justifies living in the closet.

“I think that athletes staying in the closet for their career and coming out post-retirement are cowardly. I understand it, I know why they would have to do that, but I think that it’s cowardly. It just really shows that they’re ashamed of themselves, and they’re afraid. I just don’t think that they should let those fears consume them.”


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Sweet spot for Shawn Mendes

Gus himself is certainly not afraid of sharing his personal life with the world and told OK! Magazine that he has a sweet spot for Canadian singer Shawn Mendes.

Gus and Shawn met in March 2019 backstage at a meet and greet at Shawn’s concert in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 19yo singer was shirtless for the moment and he was such an impressive sight that Gus fake fainted.

And it wasn’t just Shawn’s good looks that got Gus’ juices going. The guys also had a nice conversation.

“He was really sweet,” Gus said.


Related: Tom Daley Nominated as Sports Star of the Year

Olympic gay kiss

In February 2018, all of America got to see Gus and and his then boyfriend Matt Wilkas kiss live on NBC during the Olympics in Pyeongyang, South Korea.

“It’s something I was too scared to do for myself,” Kenworthy said after the competition.

“To be able to do that, to give him a kiss, to have that affection broadcast to the world, is incredible. The only way to really change perceptions, to break down barriers, break down homophobia, is through representation. That’s definitely not something I had as a kid. I never saw a gay athlete kissing their boyfriend at the Olympics. I think if I had, it would’ve made it easier for me.”

Gus and his fellow gay Olympians made a big impact on this years Olympics by being out and proud at the event.

In a post on Instagram, Gus wrote:

“The #OpeningCeremony is a wrap and the 2018 Winter Olympic Gaymes are officially under way!” he wrote. “I feel incredibly honored to be here in Korea competing for the US and I’m so proud to be representing the LGBTQ community alongside this amazing guy! Eat your heart out, Pence. #TeamUSA #TeamUSGay”

Hillary Clinton commented on the historic significance of this years openly gay athletes.

“I’m going to watch as much as I can see,” she said at the 2018 MAKERS Conference. “I love the Winter Olympics. I love the athleticism and the stories of our athletes, and I’m excited that Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy will be the first openly gay Olympians. So I’m going to be there cheering them on.”

Gus stopped by “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to discuss making history as an openly gay athlete in the Winter Olympics

He told Ellen that he was really excited about the upcoming Games, including meeting all the other athletes.

“It’s going to be a different experience than last time around because I’m not in the closet,” Kenworthy said. “I just want to meet as many athletes as I can, get to enjoy the opening and closing ceremonies, [and] hopefully ski the best I possibly can.”

But he also had some reservations about the politics involved, saying that anti-LGBT VP Mike Pence is “a bad fit” to lead the Winter Olympics delegation.

“To have somebody leading the delegation that [has] directly attacked the LGBTQ community … just seems like a bad fit,” he told Ellen. “I feel like the Olympics is all about inclusion and people coming together, and it seems like it’s not really doing that.”


Related: Tom Daley Nominated as Sports Star of the Year

About Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy was born in Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom on 10/01/1991. He is currently living in Telluride, Colorado, USA.

What is he famous for?

Gus Kenworthy is an athlete. He is best known as a freestyle skier who competes in slopestyle and the halfpipe, and won the silver medal in Men’s freestyle skiing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Is Gus Kenworthy gay?

Gus Kenworthy came out as gay in October, 2015, and is the first action-sports star to come out.

He came out in an interview with ESPN, telling the reporter “I guess I should start by saying, ‘I’m gay.'”

“I wanted to do it in my words and once and for all – and hopefully help kids that are in the same position I was,” he later told Attitude magazine.

From 2016 to 2019, Gus was in a relationship with American actor and reality star Matthew Wilkas, who had a lead role in the 2012 film Gayby. He also dated Adam Umhoefer, a foundation executive at Creative Artists Agency.

Gus Kenworthy’s Social Media accounts:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/guskenworthy
Instagram: https://instagram.com/guskenworthy
Facebook: https://facebook.com/guskenworthy

PS! You have to check out this Insta post where the skier shows off his greatest assets:-D

6 COMMENTS

  1. I like seeing the guys being affectionate with each other. I see nothing wrong with two women or two men kissing. I mean who does it hurt ‘no body’. The more we see the better off the world is going to be. I also think that is silly and stupid for people who react negatively when they see two men holding hands or walking together with their arms around each other.
    I do disagree with the position that Rippon and Kenworthy took regarding Vice President Spence. I would have greeted him with great anticipation showing him that I was proud of being gay and use the opportunity to encourage more dialogue

  2. Keep up the great work guys. You are truly an inspiration to LGTBQ youth of the world. Thanks for being true so that one day no one will have to fear coming out. All those nay sayers are hypocrites anyway!! Just look close and you’ll see they are the same as we are. Human beings, there is nothing different between us.

  3. they are everything wrong with the gay community. The VERY thing that has driven a wedge between reality and fiction. Guys like him are the reason why it is so hard to find a normal relationship. It is the number one reason why I have withdrawn myself from the gay community as a whole. I only consort with nothing but straight people. Yes most of the straight people I know do know that I am gay. They are more accepting of me than my own gay peers. They accept me because they know what I have been through having to deal with the modern gay community. They also see how toxic it has become. This guy Gus and people like him only further perpetuate the stereotype of what a gay man NEED to be and look like.

  4. WRONG ! Gays should come out or not come out for their own reasons.
    Sports icons are no different. You’re a good guy, but you are not the spokesperson
    for the entire Gay Community. I’m sure you meet no harm. But Yes. Your opinion is
    well grounded.

  5. This dude has lost all my respect. If someone does not feel ready to come out of the closet, then they should feel no pressure to do so. Saying otherwise is just plain ignorant and disrespectful.

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