That’s it, folks. Four years in the making, Gay Games VIII—held July 31–August 7 in Cologne, Germany—is over and done with. Boasting 10,000 athletes from 75 different countries participating in 35 sports, the event hosted GLBTQ athletes for camaraderie, equality and competition. And right in the thick of it were some of Oregon’s elite competitors muscling their way into the spotlight. Some traveled within the Team Oregon 2010 pack—a self-funded group of GLBTQ Oregon athletes—and some paved their way while also setting up regional rock ‘n’ roll gigs in Europe. Either way, Oregon can be proud of this year’s alumni—and all those medals they brought back.
Table tennis superstar and queercore punk rock pioneer Kaia Wilson took to Cologne with her sights set on winning gold, but managed to expand her social swath by booking a short tour in Germany along with fellow Oregon Gay Gamer and musician Debbie Fox.
“The atmosphere was very inclusive and friendly, with some tangents into party-time/cruising—I mean, I didn’t do that! Come on!” joked Wilson. “[There was] also a very serious competitive athletic agenda by most participants.”
Wilson won a gold medal in mixed doubles along with her lottery-drawn table tennis partner Joyce Stuart, but failed to advance past the first round in her singles division. Wilson also took home a bronze medal in the team singles event.
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As for the distant future, all of the athletes from Oregon were busy looking ahead to 2014 when the games come to Cleveland, Ohio.
“The Gay Games have made me super gay jazzed about international gay sporting events!” raved Wilson. “I am a huge fan and really recommend folks try to do it. Next Gaymes will be in 2014 in the U.S.A.! Start training now!”
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