American figure skater Adam Rippon will be the first athlete, who has shared that they are same-sex attracted, to represent the USA at the Winter Olympics.
When Rippon heads to the games in PyeongChang, South Korea, next month he’ll also the oldest male contestant the USA has had in his sport. The 28 year old is a former national champion.
One thing Rippon is adamant he won’t be doing in the lead up to his Olympic experience, or in its aftermath, is visiting the White House. In a recent interview the sportsman said he’d definitely be turning down any invitation to visit President Trump.
Speaking to the BBC Rippon said it would be wrong for an LGBTI athlete to visit the current president of the USA.
“It’s our duty, as athletes, to be role models. I won’t go to the White House.”
“I won’t go because I don’t think somebody like me would be welcome there. I know what it’s like to go into a room and feel like you’re not wanted there.
“Given this platform of being an Olympic athlete, I think it’s really important that we stand up for what we believe in, and we speak out against things that we think are wrong and unjust.”
The Winter Olympics kick off on 9th February and run until 25th February.
OIP Staff
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