Out And Proud Diver Makes A Splash

Local News, By Travis de Jonk, 27th May, 2008

Matthew Mitcham joins the ranks of out athletes Ji Wallace (Trampoline silver medalist in Sydney) and tennis’ Rennae Stubbs (the world number 6 doubles player) when competing in Beijing this year.

Matthew Mitcham Wins Gold – in pictures.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Mitcham is the first Australian to go to the Olympics declaring his homosexuality.

20 year old Mitcham revealed his sexuality to the Herald, in an interview where the athlete talked about the important role of his coach, family and his biggest supporter, his male partner Lachlan, who saw him through tough times including a bout of severe depression that initially saw him retire during his teen years.

Like all athletes, when Mitcham dives at the Beijing Olympics in August he will be hoping the ones he loves will be there to watch him.

“We can’t afford for Lachlan to go at the moment,” Mitcham said. “But Johnson & Johnson offer grants to go to Beijing and I’ve nominated Lachlan as the support person I want to go.”

According to Mitcham he would not be going to the Olympics this year if not for the hardship he endured, and the loving support of his loved ones through it.

“I probably wouldn’t have as much of a fighting spirit,” he said.

“The more you have experienced, the more you have to draw off. I look at the last 20 years as a long, winding path of lessons and some hardship. I hope the rest of my life isn’t straight because that could be boring.

“I hope it continues to wind, but maybe not so tumultuous. I hope I do have a long and winding path and more lessons to learn. I look forward to that.”

The sport of Diving has a history of gay athletes. Melbourne identity Dean Murphy, one of the organisers of the infamous Raw Hide parties, and this Queen’s Birthday weekend God Save The Queen party, is Gay Gaymes medal winner and champion diver who competes internationally.

One of the Olympic greats was US Diver Greg Louganis, whose injury during a dive at the Seoul Olympics caused a huge stir and made him a household name.

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