Six years ago, Alec Smith bravely opened up to his more than 300,000 Instagram followers, and his broader CrossFit community, revealing in an emotional video that he is gay. This act of courage became a beacon of inspiration for many, especially for those who resonated with his journey through denial, fear, and eventual self-acceptance.
In 2018, Smith was at the peak of his CrossFit career, competing at the highest levels in a sport that at the time, offered scant representation of gay or bi men. His openness was a significant step for visibility in the sport.
Stepping Back and Moving Forward
Recently, Smith had to step back from competitive CrossFit due to arthritis in his hip. However, this transition has also led to new beginnings and happiness in his personal life. Alec has found love with Riley Hedstrom, a fellow fitness enthusiast. Engaged for three years, the couple has yet to set a wedding date.
Despite their engagement, Alec and Riley have chosen to prioritize starting a family over planning a wedding. "We actually started the process in 2022," Alec explains. "We had seven failed embryo transfers and then ran out of embryos." The emotional and financial toll of this experience has led them to reevaluate their priorities.
"We're still recovering from that and trying to figure out our next steps," Smith shares, emphasizing that the cost of weddings is significant. "I think that No. 1 for us is starting a family and then eventually having some type of celebration or ceremony or something." For Alec and Riley, the order of their life milestones is different from what is traditionally expected.
Family Ties and Community Support
Alec hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, while Riley is from Minnesota, where he has a "huge extended family." This brings its own set of expectations and considerations, especially financially. "They have yearly Christmas Eve parties with well over 100 people," Alec notes with a laugh. "I'm still learning names after five years of going!" Yet, he describes Riley's family as "super sweet, loving, and great." This warmth and support further solidify their commitment to building a family.
Smith's story, like many in the LGBTQ community, is about more than just personal achievements; it is about the strength found within supportive communities. Alec reflects on his coming out experience, mentioning the overwhelming positivity he received from messages and comments. "There were so many DMs and comments that brought tears to my eyes," he recalls. "It was great. Of course, there were negative responses, but the positives far outweighed them."
Inspiring Others and Breaking New Ground
During his appearance on the "Out of Bounds" podcast, Alec discussed the role models who inspired him, including Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy. Gus made headlines with his public display of affection at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, a moment Alec regards as pivotal for visibility. "The first one that pops into my head is Gus kissing his boyfriend at the time on the Olympic stage. That was so cool to see," Alec shares.
These moments of visibility and representation are crucial for creating a more inclusive world in sports and beyond. Alec's continued openness about his journey sheds light on the evolving dynamics of relationships and family in the LGBTQ community, challenging traditional norms and inspiring others to live authentically.
For those interested in Alec's story and similar narratives, the conversation continues on the "Out of Bounds" podcast. Listeners can hear more about Alec's journey and his plans for the future. Additionally, staying connected with uplifting LGBTQ sports stories and out athletes is as simple as subscribing to newsletters dedicated to these inspiring tales.
As Alec and Riley navigate their unique path, they embody the courage to redefine priorities and embrace the journey with love and resilience. Their story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the boundless possibilities that come with living true to oneself.
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