Watching Matt Mitchum at the Olympics

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Matt Mitchum is the best diver in the world (at least yesterday he was). I can't imagine being best in the world at anything. I surely couldn't imagine that at 20. Yet there he is, best in the world, at diving. But, you know what, that isn't all that impresses me. What was more impressive was the comfort in his own skin he showed. Watching him between dives was watching a man who is sure of who he is and doesn't care who knows it. He is what one would call nellie. When he told his mom he was gay (at 14) her reaction was duh.

Matt was a study in courage and grace last night. No butching up for him. No pretence for him. Somewhere there is a 13 year old boy who is good at diving who wondered if he can make it in the homophobic world of sports. Matt answered that question for him last night.

Maybe there was an openly gay winner of a gold before but I am not sure. His dive got him the gold, but his courage and grace will get him the love and adoration of many a gay man and woman, no matter what country they come from.

[GOPNotForMe]

1. Warmed my heart last night.

Loved him "nellie-ing" it up between dives AND taking home the gold. I just wanted to give him a hug. Anyone who had a problem with him can kiss my ass. I love when people are forced to reconcile a stereotype they have with an enexpected result.

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3. It was great to watch

Given his obvious ability to control his body he likely could butch up if he wanted to. Instead he is who he is and that is so great.

[AnnieBW]

2. Oh, he was the gay diver?

I'd heard that there was one Aussie diver who was out, but I didn't know which one. When I saw that girl hugging him, I assumed it was the other Aussie. But hey, I'm glad that he was out and golden! He rocked on that last dive. And frankly, I'm just glad that he kicked some Chinese a**. :D

[anakie]

4. link to Aussie newspaper re Matt

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24231335-5016804,00.html

Great story, great young man.


Peace