Ian Matos, 24-Year-Old Diver From Brazil, Comes Out As Gay

Despite being told by a friend to remain mum on the issue until after the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazilian diver Ian Matos announced recently that he is gay. The Brazilian star -- who earned a bronze diving medal in 2012 and became Brazil’s three-meter board champion last year -- said that the pressure to hide his true identity became too much to bear, since it was uncomfortable avoiding going to gay nightclubs and hiding his relationships. A champion diver who will look to find success at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 24-year-old hopes that his disclosure does not cost him a sponsorship and looks forward to continuing his career as a successful diver.

“I do not think it will hinder me,” Matos said. “But I cannot be sure the entire world agrees with me. From a young age I knew I was gay. It seems, for whatever reason, that being homosexual places you a level below everything else. I’ve heard a lot of negative things in the competitive arena but there will of course be those who continue to support me, with a good-natured feeling toward my announcement.” Matos also indicated that he drew inspiration from British Olympic diver Tom Daley, who announced last month that he was dating a man. That individual was later revealed to be screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, part of the Oscar-winning film ‘Milk’ that starred Sean Penn.

Ian Matos was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania but moved to Rio de Janeiro to pursue a career in diving. The Brazilian city will serve as host to the 2016 Summer Olympics after beating out finalists Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago in the final bidding stage of location voting. The tournament program will feature 28 sports including aquatic events such as diving, swimming and water polo with popular events boxing, basketball, golf, gymnastics, tennis and volleyball all appearing on the competition roster.