Winter Olympics 2014: First openly gay athlete, Ireen Wust, wins gold in Sochi
The Dutch speedskater took to the top of the podium after winning the 3,000 metres
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sunday saw the first openly gay athlete competing in Sochi to win gold, however organisers needn't have feared any show of defiance.
Dutch speedskater Ireen Wust won the 3,000 metres event but was never likely to use the top of the podium for gay rights.
The 27-year-old, who after winning gold in both Vancouver and Turin is among the Netherland's most successful ever Winter Olympics athletes, has made clear in the past she does not want her sexuality to be an issue.
Speaking in 2010, Wust said: "I want to talk about ice skating. You are not asking (fellow Dutch speedskater) Sven Kramer about how his relationship is going. So why would you ask me? If I would’ve had a relationship with a guy, you wouldn’t have asked me either."
Wust, who is just one of seven openly gay athletes competing in Russia, told reporters after winning gold: "Seventeen million Dutch wanted me to win. Now the extreme pressure is off and I can win more."
Russia's laws on homosexual 'propoganda' have come in for fierce criticism in the run up to and during the Winter Olympics.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments