US Olympic champion Kerron Clement celebrated National Coming Out Day last week by opening up about his sexuality and coming out as gay, revealing that he was "tired of loving in the dark".
Speaking to Out magazine, the track and field athlete, who competes in the 400-meter hurdles and 400-meter sprint, said: “I have been through what a lot of people have been through which is being afraid of being who you are."
The Trinidadian-American added: “I struggled with my sexuality for 17 years. Over time, as you get older, you care less. Now it’s time to just be yourself and be free. That’s what I’ve become, free.”
A supporter of Nike's BETRUE campaign, which pushes for inclusion in the sporting world, Clement won both gold and silver medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing - reportedly making him the first openly gay male Olympic champion in the US.
The support of the Nike, who recently opened a community athletics track in honour of Pride flag creator Gilbert Baker, helped the athlete feel comfortable in sharing his story, he told Out.
“I have a global brand backing me,” he said. “It’s absolutely amazing. I wish all companies would do [what Nike does].”
Clement admitted it was “difficult” for him to tell his family.
“My sister was disappointed, but because I didn't tell her sooner because she could’ve been there for me and I wouldn't have had to do it by myself,” he recalled, saying his family had been ultimately supportive of him.
The runner said he was now enjoying a whole new sense of freedom and loving the fact that he's "not walking around worried” that someone might uncover his “secret.”
“Once you have that peace - and I have that peace - you can exhale,” he told Out.
“And move feeling lighter."
