The 2024 Paris Olympic Games went down in sports history as an event full of emotions, competition, and record-breaking achievements. One of the most significant aspects of these Games was the success of LGBTQ+ athletes, who not only won medals but also emphasized the importance of equality, diversity, and acceptance in the world of sports.
Record Number of Medals
LGBTQ+ athletes in Paris won a total of 42 medals, marking their greatest success in the history of the Olympic Games. Team LGBTQ+, which unites all publicly out LGBTQ+ athletes, won 15 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze medals. If Team LGBTQ+ were recognized as a separate country, they would have ranked seventh in the medal standings, surpassing many other nations. This impressive achievement highlights the strength and talent of this community.
Outstanding Athletes
Many LGBTQ+ athletes stood out at the Paris Games, making history with their achievements. Alice Bellandi from Italy won a gold medal in judo, triumphing in a highly competitive event. Sha’Carri Richardson from the United States won a silver medal in the 100-meter dash and a gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay, demonstrating her dominance on the track. Lauren Scruggs from the USA became the first Black American woman to win an individual fencing medal, earning silver and later gold in the team competition.
Increase in LGBTQ+ Athletes at the Games
This year’s Games saw the participation of 195 out LGBTQ+ athletes, a record number. This is a significant increase compared to the 186 athletes at Tokyo 2020. The growing number of LGBTQ+ athletes participating in the Games reflects progress in the acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in the world of sports. With each Olympic cycle, the LGBTQ+ community becomes more visible, and their successes contribute to greater inclusivity and equality.
The Symbolism of Success
The successes of LGBTQ+ athletes in Paris are not just about medals but also about a strong message of visibility and acceptance. Their achievements on the international stage show that sports can be a space where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can achieve great things. These successes are also evidence that equality and inclusivity in sports benefit not only the athletes themselves but society as a whole.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games were a historic moment for LGBTQ+ athletes. Their successes at these Games show how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in the fight for equality and acceptance. LGBTQ+ athletes not only won medals but also inspired millions of people worldwide, demonstrating that diversity and inclusivity are values that should be celebrated and supported in every aspect of life, including sports.
Here is a list of LGBTQ+ athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games:
Gold Medals
- Alice Bellandi (Italy) – Judo
- Amandine Buchard (France) – Judo (team)
- Svenja Brunckhorst (Germany) – Basketball 3×3
- Tierna Davidson (USA) – Football
- Paola Egonu (Italy) – Volleyball
- Kellie Harrington (Ireland) – Boxing
- Ana Patricia (Brazil) – Beach Volleyball
- Maria Perez (Spain) – Athletics (marathon walk)
- Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) – Athletics (4×100 m relay)
- Lauren Scruggs (USA) – Fencing (team)
- Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper (USA) – Basketball
- Anne Veenendaal, Marleen Jochems (Netherlands) – Field Hockey
- Lara Vadlau (Austria) – Sailing
- Frederic Wandres (Germany) – Equestrian (team)
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand) – Rugby Sevens
Silver Medals
- Olivia Apps, Sophie de Goede, Maddy Grant (Canada) – Rugby Sevens
- Perris Benegas (USA) – BMX Freestyle
- Tom Daley (United Kingdom) – Diving (synchronized)
- Raz Hershko (Israel) – Judo (+78 kg)
- Michelle Kroppen (Germany) – Archery (mixed team)
- Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (Denmark) – Equestrian (team)
- Marta, Adriana, Tarciane, Tamires, Luciana, Lorena, Taina, Lauren Leal (Brazil) – Football
- Emma Twigg (New Zealand) – Rowing (single sculls)
- Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) – Athletics (100 m)
- Lauren Scruggs (USA) – Fencing (individual)
- Maria Perez (Spain) – Athletics (20 km walk)
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands) – Cycling (road race)
- Haleigh Washington (USA) – Volleyball
Bronze Medals
- Laura Aarts (Netherlands) – Water Polo
- Amandine Buchard (France) – Judo (52 kg)
- Natalya Diehm (Australia) – BMX Freestyle
- Lauren Doyle, Alev Kelter, Steph Rovetti, Kristi Kirshe (USA) – Rugby Sevens
- Beatriz Ferreira (Brazil) – Boxing
- Carl Hester (United Kingdom) – Equestrian (team)
- Gabi Guimaraes, Ana Carolina Da Silva, Rosamaria Montibeller, Roberta (Brazil) – Volleyball
- Evy Leibfarth (USA) – Canoe Slalom
- Cindy Ngamba (Refugee Team) – Boxing
- Nesthy Petecio (Philippines) – Boxing
- Tabea Schendekehl (Germany) – Rowing (quadruple sculls)
- Lea Schuller, Sara Doorsoun, Felicitas Rauch, Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany) – Football
- Rafaela Silva (Brazil) – Judo (mixed team)
- Samantha Whitcomb, Amy Atwell (Australia) – Basketball
