Premium Content:

Olympic pole vaulter Shawn Barber comes out

Olympic Pole Vaulter Shawn Barber has declared he’s out and proud.

The athlete posted the declaration to his Facebook account thanking his friends and family for their support.

- Advertisement -

“Gay and proud! Thank you to my parents for being such a great support. I continue to grow as a person and have a great support group.

“My parents are my greatest support and have helped me through a lot recently. To my friends, you are always my friends and I love you too!” Barber posted.

Shawnacy ‘Shawn’ Barber is the current world champion of Pole Vaulting. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Barber represents Canada as an athlete.

The 22 year old placed top in his sport at the 2015 World Athletic Championships in Beijing.

He also won a Bronze Medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games but didn’t fare as well at the Rio Olympics where he placed tenth in the competition.



Fans of the athlete praised his announcement saying that he’s will make coming out an easier process for other young people.

At the Rio Olympics 11,000 athletes participated by only 55 were known to be gay, highlighting the lack of LGBT role models in sport.

OIP Staff

 

Latest

On This Gay Day | In 1982 France stops listing homosexuality as a disorder

At the same time authorities equalised the age of consent.

‘Brigerton’ star Luke Newton to play famous gay fashion designer

He's signed up to star in a new play abut the life of Lee Alexander McQueen.

Jebediah will celebrate three decades with new tour

The tour is sure to be a huge party for the band's loyal fans.

At 20, Ari found himself one of many Australian youth experiencing homelessness

As the federal government looks at new ways of tackling homelessness, Ari shares his experiences.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | In 1982 France stops listing homosexuality as a disorder

At the same time authorities equalised the age of consent.

‘Brigerton’ star Luke Newton to play famous gay fashion designer

He's signed up to star in a new play abut the life of Lee Alexander McQueen.

Jebediah will celebrate three decades with new tour

The tour is sure to be a huge party for the band's loyal fans.

At 20, Ari found himself one of many Australian youth experiencing homelessness

As the federal government looks at new ways of tackling homelessness, Ari shares his experiences.

Musician Ethel Cain issues an apology as historical racist posts surface

The singer took to Instagram to offer an apology and explanation.

On This Gay Day | In 1982 France stops listing homosexuality as a disorder

At the same time authorities equalised the age of consent.

‘Brigerton’ star Luke Newton to play famous gay fashion designer

He's signed up to star in a new play abut the life of Lee Alexander McQueen.

Jebediah will celebrate three decades with new tour

The tour is sure to be a huge party for the band's loyal fans.