Team USA is paying a visit to the White House and President Donald Trump today to celebrate all of the athletes and coaches who performed so beautifully at the Winter Olympics earlier this year.
Two prominent gay Olympians — Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy — have opted to skip the trip. Even if Rippon wanted to go, he probably wouldn’t be able given a now-grueling schedule he’s keeping between Stars on Ice and Dancing With The Stars.
Kenworthy has made it crystal-clear for a while that he wouldn’t go anywhere near the White House or the President.
All US Olympians and Paralympians are invited to visit the White House and meet the President after the Games. Today is this year's visit and USOC spokesperson says he's never seen so many athletes turn down their invites. The resistance is real. https://t.co/6mKJGicWDS
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) April 26, 2018
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Yet one out LGBTQ Olympic medalist is in attendance. Speed skater Brittany Bowe, who helped the American women win their first speed skating medal in over a decade, brought her bronze medal with her on the trip to the White House.
There are so many reasons for any athlete to attend an event at the White House, and certainly many athletes have reasons to stay home. We respect and salute all of the Olympians who represented our country so proudly this year.
