Gay Canadian Icon Heading Up Canada's Olympic Team

by Brandon Miller · 2010-08-12 21:15:00 UTC
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The 2012 Olympics just got a little bit gayer, at least up here in Canada. You see, a Canadian former-Olympian and openly gay swimmer has been named chef de mission for the Canadian Olympic Team. Cool beans, right?

I'll be honest and confess that I'm sports-illiterate. I had to google chef de mission and from what I can tell, the role is that of a spokesperson, representative and general cheerleader for the Canadian Olympians. And for London's 2012 games, the honor has been bestowed upon Mark Tewksbury, himself a gold, silver and bronze medal winner.

"To lead our Canadian Olympic team into London is an incredible privilege and honour," says Tewksbury, a 21-time national champion and seven time world record holder. "I look forward to working closely with the Canadian Olympic Committee over the next two years, providing optimum support for Canada's athletes and coaches as we strive to shine on the world stage."

Tewksbury is somewhat of an icon to Olympic followers in Canada. He was named Canada's male swimmer of the year four times and has been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2001. In addition, he is a member of the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame (1999), Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (1995) and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame (1993). Doesn't that make you feel really lazy? Or, at the very least, under-rewarded. Where's my Blogger Hall of Fame?

When he came out in 1998, Tewksbury was the first Canadian athlete to leave the closet. In 2006, he wrote "Inside Out: Straight Talk from a Gay Jock." In a field where so few people are open about their sexual orientation, Tewksbury is a pioneer. Not that he sees it as anything special.

"The interesting thing is that did come up today during interviews. The fact that it isn't an issue is kind of an issue. In 2010, being openly gay is not really a story," he said."The fact that I'm openly gay is a testament to the fact that I'm a person who lives a life of values and integrity. That sets an example as a leader."

It sure does in my book.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Brandon Miller is a freelance writer and editor from Toronto, Ontario.
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