Meet the record number of out Paralympians competing in the 2016 Rio Games
This year’s Paralympic games will feature a record number of out LGBT athletes.
The Olympics in Rio saw a record breaking 42 LGBT athletes compete – with many winning medals and glory for their countries.
It seems the Paralympics are set to follow suit, with Outsports estimating at least nine openly LGBT athletes will be going for gold this year.
The number was supposed to be ten, until Great Britain’s Claire Harvey – who was set to compete in the discus – had to withdraw due to a hand injury.
Although the number is far less than that of the Olympics, this year’s Paralympics will feature more out competitors than ever before.
As Outsports predicts, that number could grow as more athletes come out during the games – but until then, here’s a list of the LGBT Paralympians seeking victory this month:
Jen Armbruster (USA, goalball)
Abby Dunkin (USA, wheelchair basketball)
Angela Madsen (USA, track & field)
Aysa Miller (USA, goalball)
Desiree Miller (USA, wheelchair basketball)
Cindy Ouellet (Canada, wheelchair basketball)
Lee Pearson (Great Britain, equestrian)
Moran Samuel (Israel, rowing)
Marieke Vervoort (Belgium, wheelchair racing)
Good luck to each and every one of you!
