A profile of Gay Games Ambassador Matthew Mitcham ahead of the Olympics:
[...]
Defending his Olympic crown - the 10-meter platform title he snatched with his flawless final attempt in Beijing four years ago to deny China a sweep of the diving gold medals - is what 2012 is all about for him, Mitcham has repeated in countless interviews.
Beijing was something of a coming out parade for him. He generated plenty of commentary for being an openly gay athlete, but even more for a high-stakes final dive that ranked among the best in Olympic history.
Dressed neatly in a dark team polo shirt and long black trousers, Mitcham told The Associated Press that London will be different.
For a start, all the experiences around the competition won't be new. Besides, he's more likely to be recognized as the defending champion, not as the gay diver from Australia.
[...]
He's such a big part of the team that Australia head coach Hui Tong accepted that the regular selection criteria was tweaked to allow Mitcham to concentrate on returning to full fitness rather than competing.
"His presence can make a big splash, bring a lot of respect," Hui said. "He's individually important to the whole team - means everybody's got a hope.
"He's a great competitor. He can rise to the occasion, in that moment. That's his greatest strength. He needs to concentrate on being fit, now."
[...]
At Australia's team announcement last month, Mitcham was conscious of the occasion and wanted to focus only on being a member of the squad. He didn't want to get too deeply into discussions about being a role model for gay athletes, or any issues outside of diving. The only outward sign of his out-of-the-pool personality was a small "Federation of Gay Games" stickpin stuck over his left side pocket.
To get a better insight into Mitcham as a person, go to Facebook, where he keeps friends and fans up-to-date and is a vocal campaigner for various causes.
He is honest, and he's out loud and proud.
[|...]
Read in full HERE.
For a start, all the experiences around the competition won't be new. Besides, he's more likely to be recognized as the defending champion, not as the gay diver from Australia.
[...]
He's such a big part of the team that Australia head coach Hui Tong accepted that the regular selection criteria was tweaked to allow Mitcham to concentrate on returning to full fitness rather than competing.
"His presence can make a big splash, bring a lot of respect," Hui said. "He's individually important to the whole team - means everybody's got a hope.
"He's a great competitor. He can rise to the occasion, in that moment. That's his greatest strength. He needs to concentrate on being fit, now."
[...]
At Australia's team announcement last month, Mitcham was conscious of the occasion and wanted to focus only on being a member of the squad. He didn't want to get too deeply into discussions about being a role model for gay athletes, or any issues outside of diving. The only outward sign of his out-of-the-pool personality was a small "Federation of Gay Games" stickpin stuck over his left side pocket.
To get a better insight into Mitcham as a person, go to Facebook, where he keeps friends and fans up-to-date and is a vocal campaigner for various causes.
He is honest, and he's out loud and proud.
[|...]
Read in full HERE.
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