Gus Kenworthy Returns to Freeskiing, Eyes 2026 Milano Olympics as Openly Gay Athlete

Freeskier Gus Kenworthy, known as the first openly gay action sports athlete to achieve major success, has re-entered competitive training with sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. After stepping away from the sport following the 2022 Beijing Games, Kenworthy announced his return, stating, "After taking a step away, I realized I miss skiing and I really want to compete again." He emphasized the urgency, adding, "I didn't know if I would be able to come back after three-and-a-half years, but I knew I wouldn't be able to after seven and a half. So, it's this Olympics or nothing."

Kenworthy, born in Great Britain and raised in Colorado since age 2, will compete for Team GB in halfpipe, marking his second Olympics under that flag. He previously earned silver in slopestyle for Team USA at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, contributing to a historic U.S. podium sweep—the third in Winter Olympic history. In 2018 Pyeongchang, he became one of the first two openly gay men to compete for Team USA at the Winter Olympics. His Beijing 2022 experience was marred by challenges: two concussions in training, a COVID-19 infection pre-Games causing prolonged nausea, vertigo, and exhaustion, and failure to land his planned run despite prior retirement announcement. Symptoms persisted over a year post-Olympics, halting training.

Kenworthy's comeback gained momentum at a four-day pro camp in Mammoth Lakes, California, last week—his first halfpipe session since Beijing. There, he landed two straight airs and a 540 in his initial run, progressing to double corks by day's end. "I felt stronger on my skis than I did four years ago," he reported, noting a welcoming reception from global pros that reignited his passion. Self-funding his efforts—including travel and coaching—after Team GB offered support without budget, Kenworthy faces top-30% finishes in two of four World Cup events for qualification. His schedule includes a December event in China—his first competition in nearly four years—followed by the FIS Grand Prix in Copper, Colorado, with team selection in January. Upcoming camps are planned at Mount Hood, Oregon; New Zealand; and Saas-Fee, Switzerland.

At 34 by October 2026, Kenworthy joins a wave of high-profile comebacks, drawing inspiration from Lindsey Vonn's late-career World Cup podium. He acknowledges injury fears, particularly concussions: "It's still my biggest fear... You can't dwell on it." His Olympic goal is clear: "I want to medal. If I qualify... and land my run, that will feel like success."

Kenworthy's journey resonates within LGBTQ+ communities in sports, where visibility remains pivotal. As the pioneering openly gay male action sports medalist, his 2014 coming out and Sochi success challenged norms in freestyle skiing, a discipline often seen as hyper-masculine. His public identity has fostered discussions on inclusivity, with advocates noting increased representation for LGBTQ+ athletes in winter sports post-Sochi. Teammates and peers at Mammoth Lakes expressed respect, signaling evolving attitudes. For LGBTQ+ freeskier fans, his pursuit symbolizes resilience, balancing high-stakes performance with authentic self-expression. Organizations like Outsports have chronicled his trailblazing role, highlighting how his story encourages transgender and non-binary athletes to pursue elite levels.

This comeback, amid Milano-Cortina preparations, underscores determination across identities. Kenworthy's self-funded grind and health hurdles exemplify the barriers LGBTQ+ athletes navigate, yet his progress offers hope for broader acceptance in Olympic circles.