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Gus Kenworthy Reveals Secret Pre-Outing Relationship and 'Heated Rivalry' Parallels Ahead of Olympics Comeback
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Olympic freestyle skier and actor Gus Kenworthy opened up about a secret relationship he had before publicly coming out as gay, likening it to elements in the popular HBO series "Heated Rivalry." In a recent interview with The New Yorker ahead of his fourth Winter Olympics appearance in Milan, Italy, Kenworthy described the clandestine nature of his past experiences.
Kenworthy, who won silver in slopestyle skiing at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, came out as gay in 2015, becoming one of the first action sports athletes to do so at that level. He reflected on "Heated Rivalry," a Canadian series adapted from Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" novels, which follows rival hockey players in a secret gay romance starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Initially skeptical, Kenworthy said, “At first, I didn’t understand the big deal. It was fun to watch, but it was sort of smut. I honestly thought, ‘All these thirsty gays! Y’all are just horny.’”
The series' third episode shifted his view, focusing on closeted NHL player Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, and his secret lover Kip, portrayed by Robbie G.K. Kenworthy was moved enough to message creator Jacob Tierney, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a substantial way. The parallels are kind of insane. I also had a secret relationship with these clandestine meetings and hookups.”
He connected deeply with Scott Hunter, saying, “That was me for so many years. I had the same yearning – to be in love, to be public, and to not have to hide.” Kenworthy recalled being publicly linked to singer Miley Cyrus before his coming out, noting she was a close confidante. “And Miley Cyrus was my own Rose ... it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy,” he explained, referencing a plot parallel in the show.
Cyrus supported Kenworthy publicly after his 2015 announcement, expressing respect for the skier. The disclosure underscores ongoing conversations in LGBTQ+ sports communities about the challenges of closeted lives, amplified by Heated Rivalry's acclaim. US hockey player Jesse Kortuem cited the series as inspiration for coming out earlier this month.
Kenworthy, born in Chelmsford, England, previously competed for the United States, including at the 2022 Beijing Games, which he called his last before a brief retirement. Last week, he was selected for Great Britain's team for the 2026 Milan Olympics. The series, renewed for a second season, streams on HBO Max in the US, Canada, Australia, and Italy from February, and on Sky and Now in the UK. Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie started the Olympic torch relay on January 25.
Kenworthy has acting credits, including Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story: 1984, and joked about potentially joining Heated Rivalry, noting his high school hockey experience. His story highlights how media representations resonate with transgender and gay athletes navigating visibility in sports.
