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Loading ...Out Australian Diver Matthew Mitcham Wins Olympic Gold
08.23.2008 5:26pm EDT
In a shocking upset, openly gay Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, 20, has won the Olympic gold medal in the men’s 10m platform at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Going into the final round, Mitcham trailed China’s Zhou Luxin by more than 30 points.But Mitcham scored an astonishing 112.10 on his last dive — a back two and a half somersault with two and a half twists — to earn four perfect 10s and win the gold medal, with an overall score of 537.95 to Zhou’s 533.15.
Mitcham’s gold medal dive
Mitcham earned the highest scoring dive in the history of the Olympics with his sixth and final dive, and became Australia’s first male Olympic gold medallist in diving since 1924. His win earned Australia their second diving medal of the Games, and broke China’s long winning streak in Olympic diving.
Mitcham almost didn’t compete in the Games. He walked away from diving in 2006, battling depression and burnout, but returned to the sport 9 months later, determined to compete at the Olympics.
He came out in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald in May, citing his partner Lachlan as part of the "little support network has made my dream possible."
Although there are 13 openly gay or bi women among the competitors at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Mitcham is the only openly gay male athlete competing in the Games.
Up until the last dive, even Mitcham thought he had a slim chance at taking the lead from the Chinese. “I wasn’t even sure of my medal chances at all," he told reporters after the win. "After I did my last dive and I saw I was in first, I thought, “That’s it, it’s a silver medal, I am so happy with this’ and then I won. I can’t believe it, I’m so happy.”
Mitcham reacts to news of his gold medal win
“Coming back and doing everything that I did was to win an Olympic gold medal," he told reporters after the win. "That was my aim when I was training every single day, twice a day, 11 sessions a week, 30 hours a week, before every single dive, it was like `I want to win Olympic gold’ and that made me try my hardest in every single training session for the last year and a half."
Mitcham is awarded the gold medal
“It’s going to take a while to sink in," Mitcham added. "My cheeks hurt from smiling. My face hurts from the chlorine. My legs are sore from jumping up and down. I’m in pain and I’m tired. But I’m so happy.”
Celebrating the win
Matt did great! I’m so proud of him.
Amazing! We do need to make a big deal out of his being gay, as he is the only out male contender. He fought his own self hatred and depression in his mind, and he had to let go of the fear of bigoted judges (they do exist). HE had to deal with his being separate and different from the other contenders (straights don’t get this) and he also had to create his own loving support group since there wasn’t one. AND he had to do everything else that a gold winner must do.
Wonderful. Hadn’t watched. With the great replay tapes, I just did!! Thank you for the heads up.
Absolutely wonderful. A humble, gracious, and overall lovely guy. FINALLY a good gay role model!!!
Gay or no gay, winning is based on preparation making contact with oppurtunity. So let’s not make too much noise about him being GAY. And to Roger RamJet, can u really tell how u exist as a man. don’t u think existence is controlled by something beyond nature and so everything that happens is controlled by the same. hence, those who recognize this “something” gives him praise and that should not bother u, except ur conscience is battling with u. thanks
Ted,
Nope. I just took out a derogatory word used to describe Mitcham.
Sincerely,
James
James,
Did you write those comments on behalf of Michael Phelps?
Well done Matthew! You’re more than good enough to represent your country, Australia, but not good enough to receive your full equality.
Awesome mate! You beat the best.
I thik this is wonderful for Mr. Mitcham. However, Mr. Mitcham is not a gay athlete. He is a first class athlete who just happens to be Gay.
GOod on him, and I hope his outness helps others.
Michael Phelps,
I edited your comment. Took out the f-word.
Sincerely,
James
For Michael Phelps:
Forgive me if I misunderstood your comment that you could tell Mitcham was a “fag” by his mannerisms. Could you explain the spirit of your words?
Ahhh, that the athlete is gay being mentioned on the website!
Thank Heavens! The Boycott Worked!
No, Roger RamJet, it’s not a deal. You’re being ridiculous if you think NBC, or any other network, gives a rat’s ass about gay athletes. Or the vast majority of people out there, for that matter. I could tell he was
[gay] just by his mannerisms, but do you honestly think the rest of the world cares? NO! So get over your little “boycott the world because they don’t acknowledge the gays” rant and just be happy for Matthew. Don’t turn this into a bit of political theater.
Makes me proud to be a Gay man.