Aug 6, 2021
Canada’s Quinn becomes the first openly transgender athlete to claim an Olympic medal
Canada women’s national team midfielder Quinn has made history as the first openly transgender and non-binary athlete to medal at the Olympic Games.
Canada women’s national team midfielder Quinn has made history as the first openly transgender and non-binary athlete to medal at the Olympic Games as Team Canada captured gold against Sweden on penalties in the women’s soccer finals.
Quinn had won previously with Canada in Rio 2016 when Canada beat Brazil, but they did not come out publicly until September 2020.
Quinn became the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics this year during Canada’s first match against Japan.
“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," Quinn said in a statement released through the National Women's Soccer League's social media. "I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world. I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures and mindsets.”
Outside of international competition, the Duke University alum plays with OL Reign in the NWSL.
A record-breaking number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes have competed at this year's Summer Games. According to a report from Outsports, a total of at least 182 athletes have competed this summer, a significant jump from the 56 athletes at Rio 2016.