Editor’s Note: We previously misreported the final results. We regret the error and have updated with accurate information.
So many out LGBTQ Olympians keep getting oh-so-close to a medal.
Kim Meylemans from Belgium was fractions of a second away from a medal in skeleton on Saturday. Her time of 52.26 was just 1.80 seconds away from the bronze medal, which went to Great Britain’s Laura Deas. Lizzy Yarnold, who wore Rainbow Laces in the Opening Ceremony while carrying the flag for Great Britain, won gold in the event. Germany’s Jacqueline Loelling got the silver.
“These were my first Games, Meylemans told the Belgian publication Sporza. “I still have things to work on, which I will take to the next four years. I am still young, I can even participate in the World Cup for young people, but I have never done that before.”
She is 21, younger than almost all of the other top skeleton racers.
Meylemans this week revealed some of the homophobic hate and vitriol she had received from people in Russia after she announced she was boycotting the World Cup as long as it was held in Russia.
