Below is a link to an article about Matthew Mitcham. He's going to Beijing as an openly gay athlete. I wish I had his courage, when I was twenty. He is an example for all!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/beijing2008/out...1183107597.html

He's cute, too!

What a relief that he's cute!! It's so less important when someone ugly comes out!!

Your point is well taken, SFTom. Good looks have nothing to do with the quality of his character. His attraction to me lies in his ability to achieve his dreams and in his courage to be who he is at his age, i.e. an out athlete.

Again, let me repeat, I wish that I had had his courage when I was his age.

I was watching some diving yesterday on TV (CBC's taped coverage of the Canada Cup--what's with that synchro diving, anyways? To me, diving is an individual sport). I remember seeing Matthew Helm from Australia, but don't know if Mitcham even competed at that event. Anyhoo, it's great to see someone at the top of their form going into the biggest event of their career (Beijing Olympics) have the courage to come out. I've seen some YouTube video of Mitcham diving and speaking (in English and Chinese) and he seems like a nice young man and clearly a very talented diver. It will be interesting to see how the media handles profiles of him: will his being openly gay be featured/avoided? Does it even matter?

Canmark, I think he competed at the 10 meter platform event at the Canadian event.

If the Johnson & Johnson Family Grant does not work out for Matthew Mitcham, perhaps Outsports.com would consider doing a fundraiser to help send his partner to Beijing! I'll donate!

I am sure most people have read or heard about the photo of Michael Phelps taking a bong hit and jeopardizing his multi-million dollar endorsement contracts. Here is a column from the Washington Post, that tempers the calls for his tarring and feathering.
Sally Jenkins putting it in perspective.

Yet, I can't help but think that Matt Mitcham is so much the better role model for young men, both straight and gay. Matt has displayed great athleticism, skill, discipline and determination in achieving his dreams. More importantly, Matt has shown courage and maturity way beyond his young years. He makes me proud to be gay!

Bong hitting athletes of the world unite!

Mitcham won the bronze medal yesterday in the one-metre springboard competition at the Rome World Championships.

Photos of Matthew Mitcham at an Australian gallery.