Do we all know who Matthew Mitcham is? He's the Australian diver who completely came from behind, out of nowhere, to win the gold in the 10 meter platform. He's got a great story. Because the Chinese were expected to take gold in every single diving event (and they did -- except this one). Because he quit diving altogether two years ago, and only returned to the sport recently. Because he's got an immense talent. And because he's openly gay.
So what does NBC do? Ignores it. Doesn't mention it. Doesn't show his long-time partner, sitting next to his mother, cheering and crying for him. Sure, we get to know all about the love triangle between the Italian and French swimmers. We get the whole story about Kerri Walsh losing her "six feet of sunshine" wedding ring while playing. And we get to hear lots and lots about Sanya Richardson and her NFL fiance'. But this? Niet. Nada. Nothing.
I don't know a plethora of gay people. But what I have learned from the ones I do know is that coming out is an extremely hard thing. Magnify this by a million for athletes. They are worried about being ostracized. Shamed. And in the case of professional athletes, ruined. So shouldn't the media have covered this for what it is -- a success story by anyone's definition and a very brave thing?
So what does NBC do? Ignores it. Doesn't mention it. Doesn't show his long-time partner, sitting next to his mother, cheering and crying for him. Sure, we get to know all about the love triangle between the Italian and French swimmers. We get the whole story about Kerri Walsh losing her "six feet of sunshine" wedding ring while playing. And we get to hear lots and lots about Sanya Richardson and her NFL fiance'. But this? Niet. Nada. Nothing.
I don't know a plethora of gay people. But what I have learned from the ones I do know is that coming out is an extremely hard thing. Magnify this by a million for athletes. They are worried about being ostracized. Shamed. And in the case of professional athletes, ruined. So shouldn't the media have covered this for what it is -- a success story by anyone's definition and a very brave thing?
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