The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is fast approaching! We think the Olympics are the sporting event which appeals to both the avid fan and the average person who doesn’t care much at all about sports.
There are so many different events that everyone can find something to entertain them: archery, breaking, artistic swimming, beach volleyball, climbing, surfing, etc. Unlike the Euros, the World Cup, or other big-budget (and typically male-centered) professional leagues, in the Olympics we get to see athletes that may live rather ordinary lives. Here are 4 lesbian stories to watch out for:
Emma Twigg (New Zealand) – Rowing
Emma Twigg will be representing New Zealand in rowing at the Olympics. She is married and raising a son with her wife Charlotte.
Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) – Athletics
Yulimar Rojas is an openly lesbian track and field athlete from Venezuela. Her nickname is “la reina del triple salto” – queen of the triple jump. It is well-deserved as she is not only an Olympic gold-medalist, but also a four-time World Champion in the triple jump, winning gold in Budapest in 2023. She hopes to break her world record once again and reach 16 meters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56pFd3ANdZU
USA Women’s Basketball – 5X5 Basketball
Okay, so not everyone on the team is lesbian, but there are quite a few: Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Diana Taurasi, Jewell Loyd, and perhaps more to come. For a long time the WNBA has been known to have many openly lesbian players, and the Olympics team is carrying on this tradition. The team has a record 7 Olympic titles, so if you’re searching for some exciting games, look no further.
Amandine Buchard (France) – Judo
After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Amandine will be competing for gold in front of a hometown crowd in France. She came out in a documentary during Pride month in 2021.
The Paris games will also host a Pride House to celebrate diversity and provide a safe-space open to all.
Read more about the Olympics and these amazing women:
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/02/05/whats-the-queer-quotient-for-the-2024-summer-olympics/
https://www.caracaschronicles.com/2019/06/30/venezuelas-trailblazers-of-pride/
https://www.autostraddle.com/15-queer-wnba-players-to-follow-thirst-after-on-instagram-this-season/
https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/the-games/celebrating/pride-house
https://www.outsports.com/2024/6/8/24095329/paris-olympics-2024-amandine-buchard-judo-gay/
