Olympic bronze medalist Yared Nuguse says one of the biggest changes in his life did not happen on the track.
It happened when he decided to live openly.
As part of its Pride Month campaign, Team USA is highlighting the middle-distance runner’s journey of self-acceptance, love, and confidence.
Nuguse, who won bronze in the men’s 1500 meters at the Paris Olympics, publicly introduced his boyfriend, Julian Falco, in March 2025 with a simple Instagram post celebrating their first anniversary together.
The announcement was widely praised across the sports world and made Nuguse one of the highest-profile openly gay male athletes currently competing for Team USA.
In Team USA’s new post, Nuguse reflects on how dramatically his life has changed since coming out.
“Ever since I came out, I feel like I’ve had this weight lifted off me,” he says.
He explains that he met Julian in November 2023 before the pair officially began dating several months later.
Nuguse describes Julian as someone who helped replace years of worry and self-doubt with confidence and happiness.
He says he never imagined he could feel so free from the fears he had carried for much of his life.
The runner also shares an encouraging message for anyone still questioning whether to come out.
He emphasizes that every person’s journey is different and that no one should feel pressured to come out before they are ready.
Nuguse has become one of the world’s premier middle-distance runners over the past several years.
In addition to his Olympic bronze medal, he has won multiple Diamond League races, briefly held the indoor mile world record in 2025, and remains one of Team USA’s leading hopes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
While his athletic accomplishments continue to grow, Nuguse’s openness is also helping increase LGBTQ+ visibility in elite men’s sport.
By sharing his story through Team USA’s Pride campaign, he hopes others will see that success and authenticity can go hand in hand.
📷 IG: @yaredthegoose
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