Adam Rippon made history this weekend, becoming the first openly gay man from the U.S. to medal at the Winter Olympics. And the founder of Outsports.com says the bronze medal-winner may have opened the door for other LGBT youth to find a place in the world of sports. “The fact that Adam backed it up with a great performance on Sunday night and America fell in love, that’s the message that kid is receiving: ‘I can be Adam, and I can still be loved by America, too,’” Cyd Zeigler said. “It’s not just the kid watching Adam be his authentic self. It’s then watching his classmates and other people on social media totally embrace it.” Rippon and fellow out Team USA member Gus Kenworthy, a freestyle skier who races this weekend, have been widely applauded at the Winter Games. But they also sparked controversy with a selfie captioned “Eat your heart out, Pence.” U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who led the U.S. delegation at the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony, has been criticized for his support of “religious freedom” laws and reported advocacy of “conversion therapy.” The VP tried to ease any tension, tweeting at Rippon, “I want you to know we are FOR YOU. Don’t let fake news distract you.” For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/adam-rippon-and-gus-kenworthy-break-the-rainbow-ceiling-at-the-winter-olympics).

Share:
More In Sports
March Madness Betting Guide: Not Just About Brackets
March Madness isn’t just about filling out — and later trashing — brackets. There are more ways to bet the field in the NCAA Tournament, an event that will consume basketball fans over the next three weeks.
March Madness 2023: South Carolina Chasing 3rd Title
Fill out your brackets because March Madness is here! Here is what college basketball fans (and the millions playing office pools) need to know, including the favorites and underdogs, key games and how to watch the women’s NCAA tournament.
March Madness 2023: Set Your Brackets! Tide the No. 1 Seed
Fill out your bracket because March Madness is here! Here is what college basketball fans (and the millions playing office pools) need to know, including the favorites and underdogs, key games and how to watch the men’s NCAA tournament.
Load More