Lizzy Yarnold, the British skeleton racer who won a gold medal at the 2018 Olympics, is wearing Rainbow Laces at the Games in solidarity with LGBTQ athletes.
“Changing your laces is a simple thing, but it represents so much,” Yarnold told Sky Sport News. “This can open up sport and show people that the Olympic movement is open to everyone.”
"Changing your laces is a simple thing, but it represents so much" – @TheYarnold talks to @SkySportsNews about wearing #RainbowLaces as an #LGBT ally at #PyeongChang2018. Watch the full #SSN report, including news of the #PrideHouse at the #WinterOlympics: https://t.co/fKGEsOhb6w pic.twitter.com/kHxYVzX2sM
— Jon Holmes (@jonboy79) February 15, 2018
Yarnold wore the laces at the Pyeongchang Opening Ceremony and as she goes about the Olympics. Rainbow Laces, an initiative of the British LGBT rights group Stonewall, uses the colorful laces to promote LGBTQ inclusion in sports. It was first used in soccer but has now spread to multiple sports and now on the shoes of a gold medalist.
The Pyeongchang Olympics have a record 15 out athletes, which makes these Games the most visible ever for LGBTQ Winter sport athletes.
