If, like me, you’ve been thoroughly enjoying the rise in queer sports romance fiction, then have I got the real life romance story for you.
This month, Finnish hammer thrower Silja Kosonen has taken home gold in the women’s hammer throw at the European Athletics Championships.
And cheering her on from the stands? Her girlfriend, Finnish international futsal player Senni Viren.
After her win, Kosonen announced their relationship, which is the first time she has done so publicly.
Could someone please get an LGBTQIA+ sports romance novelist on the phone?
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More than one reason to celebrate
Kosonen won gold in the women’s hammer throw at the European Athletics Championships in England, after beating her nearest rival by nearly two metres.
Following the momentous win, she opened up to YLE about how much having Viren there had meant to her.
“I was already dreaming about the moment when I would be able to celebrate with her on the sidelines,” she said.
Kosonen said meeting Viren had changed her outlook on life, describing how things had started to “smile” differently since they met last year.
“I have found another person with whom I can be myself,” she said.
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In interviews following the revelation, Kosonen also shared that she had not planned on going public with the relationship at the time, but said it was a moment she wanted to share.
“We didn’t plan on making it public in any way in advance. I felt like I wanted to enjoy the moment and share the joy with others.”
Allow me to cry the queerest of tears.
Queer representation in the sporting world
We all know the sporting world isn’t historically a space where queer athletes can feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the table.
It is ripe with homophobia and transphobia across the world. In Australia alone, we’re still battling against discrimination in many sporting codes.
So seeing two talented women thriving in their respective sports and celebrating their love publicly feels like exactly the kind of representation we need (and want more of!).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be sitting (not so) patiently waiting for the Netflix adaptation.
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