Canadian soccer player Quinn is the first openly transgender and non-binary Olympic medalist at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 25-year-old and their women’s team won the Olympic semifinal round against the US in Tokyo on Monday (August 2).
This means Quinn and their teammates will take home at least a silver medal in the sport.
However the team may score gold medals if they win their match against Sweden later in the week.
“I’m so proud of my team. They’re my best friends,” Quinn, who goes by one name, told CBC.
“I’m so glad we’re bringing back a better medal than bronze.”
Quinn said they were “getting messages from young people saying they’ve never seen a trans person in sports before.”
“Athletics is the most exciting part of my life,” they said.
“If I can allow kids to play the sports they love, that’s my legacy and that’s what I’m here for.”
The soccer player came out as transgender and nonbinary in an Instagram post last September.
“Coming out is HARD (and kinda bs),” they wrote.
“I know for me it’s something I’ll be doing over again for the rest of my life.
“As I’ve lived as an openly trans person with the people I love most for many years, I did always wonder when I’d come out publicly.
“I wanted to encapsulate the feelings I had towards my trans identity in one post but that’s really not why anyone is on here, including myself.
“So instead I want to be visible to queer folks who don’t see people like them on their feed. I know it saved my life years ago.”
They urged followers to be better allies to trans people by putting their pronouns in their Instagram bio.
Transgender soccer star Quinn’s mixed emotions at Tokyo Olympics
Last month as the Tokyo Olympics were beginning, Quinn shared on Instagram, “First openly trans Olympian to compete, I don’t know how to feel.
“I feel proud seeing ‘Quinn’ up on the lineup and on my accreditation.
“I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world.
The athlete added, “I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures, and mindsets.
“Mostly, I feel aware of the realities. Trans girls being banned from sports. Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams.
“The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here.”
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