Australian snowboarder Belle Brockhoff, 20, who hopes to compete at the Sochi Olympics, has come out, but is worried about being open at the Games.
“I have a feeling that I would have to kinda go back into the closet a little bit because I don’t want to risk my, like, you know, safety, being arrested or deported. I want to be able to compete and live my dream and become an Olympian. That’s always what I’ve wanted to do. I honestly find it a little bit disrespectful and a little bit sad, not only to me, but to other athletes and, you know, it’s my dream and I want to be able to be who I am, be proud of who I am and be proud of all the work that has gotten me to the Olympics and not have to deal with this kind of a law. “
Despite her concerns, Brockhoff says she might wear a rainbow badge at the Games if she makes the Australian team.