Blake Skjellerup offers ‘coming out’ advice to gay athletes

Blake Skjellerup has given advice to athletes who are debating whether to come out as gay.

The New Zealand speed-skater, 29, came out shortly after competing in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and went on to become an ambassador for the Gay Games the following year.

In an interview with Clevescene, Skjellerup recommended that closeted athletes ensure they are “supported” before they speak publicly about their sexuality. Read the full quote from Skjellerup below.

“My advice has always been the same for gay athletes: Your sport is what makes up who you are more than your sexuality. It’s the biggest part of your life. You do it day-in and day-out. Number one, you need to make sure you’re supported to begin with. The last thing you want to have is to lose your position in your sport. I know for some people that has happened, and that’s a sad situation, but I think as we progress, it isn’t going to happen anymore because there are people out there who are creating awareness and supporting those people who want to come out. We’ve seen a lot of great movement, especially in the college level where athletes are being supported and are coming out, and the teams, colleges, everybody is getting behind them. That’s just going to trickle down to more universities, more colleges, and it’s going to make it easier for everybody.”

Skjellerup went on to praise those athletes who have come out, such as NFL player Michael Sam, and said that their speaking put helps to change people’s perceptions of the gay community both in sport and society a a whole.

“I think that’s one of the greatest things we’ve seen: Michael Sam has been greatly accepted,” Skjerellup said. “It just shows how far people’s perceptions and their education has come over the past five to 10 years and understanding that homosexuality isn’t a threat. It doesn’t in any way threaten society, it really strengthens it.”

Michael Sam recently received an award for his bravery in speaking about his sexuality – listen to his moving acceptance speech here.

Meanwhile, Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe, who came out as gay last month (July), has since thanked fans for their support – read the full story here.