Dutch rower Maarten Hurkmans came out as bisexual in an Instagram post earlier this week. The 22-year-old athlete was supposed to participate in this year’s Tokyo Olympics before they were postponed to 2021 due to concerns over the coronavirus.
“For many people, sexuality is not something to consider much,” Hurkmans wrote in his Instagram post. “However, for many LGBTQ+ people, a lot of time and anxiety can go into discovering, accepting and reconciling themselves with their sexuality. I am very lucky to have been brought up by amazing parents in an open and accepting environment, and luckily, I have never experienced my sexuality as much of a burden. Not everyone shares my experience though.”
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The athlete, who previously won a silver medal at the 2019 World Rowing Championships, went on to talk about what it means to be queer in the sports world. He somewhat echoed the statement made by retired soccer star Thomas Beattie, who also recently came out via Instagram.
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“It can be hard to come out, especially in sports,” Hurkmans said. “Not many elite athletes identify as LGBTQ+ and there are few role models to look up to and show that it doesn’t matter and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I am 2.01m, 110kgs, proud of who I am, and I row at the elite level. To many, I do not fit the stereotype, but I do want to be an example to anyone that feels like they can’t be their true self.
“Identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community does not make you less masculine, or able to compete and win. In the end, we all line up at the same starting line with the same anticipation as we endure those final minutes before the start. Equally tense and ready for the green light.”
Bi now gay later lol.. hottie!