Olympic silver medalist and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Gus Kenworthy has announced his return to competitive skiing, setting his sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
Kenworthy, who previously retired after the 2022 Beijing Games, cited a renewed passion for the sport as his motivation for the comeback.
“After taking a step away, I realized I miss skiing and I really want to compete again,” Kenworthy told ESPN.
He added, “I didn’t know if I would be able to come back after three and a half years, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to after seven and a half. So it’s this Olympics or nothing.”
Kenworthy, now 33, began training again earlier this year, starting with a pro camp in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Related: Olympian Gus Kenworthy’s Love Tribute to Aussie Boyfriend
He plans to compete in four World Cup events before the Olympic team is named in January, aiming to meet Team GB’s qualification criteria.
Born in Chelmsford, England, and raised in Colorado, Kenworthy holds dual citizenship and will represent Great Britain, as he did in 2022.
His return is not just about athletic ambition but also about personal fulfillment.
“I don’t feel like I’m going back into it because I don’t know who I am otherwise,” he said. “I’m going back into it because I can still do it, and because I want to.”
Kenworthy’s comeback adds both athletic and symbolic weight to the upcoming Games—a reminder of the persistence, talent, and trailblazing identity that have defined his career.
As one of the first openly gay male athletes to compete at the Olympic level, his return is significant for fans who have followed his journey on and off the slopes.
Kenworthy’s story continues to inspire, blending sportsmanship with advocacy and resilience.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, all eyes will be on Kenworthy as he aims for a triumphant return to the podium.
Related: Gus Kenworthy’s Inspiring Letter to Gay Paris Olympians