Elite Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala Comes Out as Gay, Honors Late Boyfriend

Elite Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala Comes Out as Gay, Honors Late Boyfriend

On New Year’s Day, accomplished ski jumper Andrzej Stekala from Poland publicly came out as gay in a heartfelt Instagram post. The 29-year-old athlete, who has secured a bronze medal at the World Ski Championships, shared his journey of self-discovery and heartbreak over the loss of his long-term partner, Damian.

In his moving post, Stekala wrote, “I want you to meet my true self. I am gay. I have kept this fact a secret for years — from you, from the media, and sometimes even from myself.” Stekala expressed how he had kept his true identity hidden, even while in a loving relationship with Damian, whom he described as “the person who changed my life — he was my pillar, my support, and my biggest fan.”

Stekala’s Instagram reel serves as a touching tribute to Damian, who sadly passed away in November. The video features cherished moments from their time together, including photos from vacations and tender displays of affection, all set to the music of Shaboozey’s "Good News." The post has garnered hundreds of supportive comments from fans and fellow athletes, including Norway’s ski jumper Halvor Egner Granerud, who offered words of encouragement and condolences.

Stekala, who started his ski jumping career in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in 2015, achieved significant milestones throughout his career. In January 2016, he was part of the Polish team that won bronze in the men’s team competition held in Zakopane, Poland. Later, in December 2020, Stekala contributed to another third-place finish at the FIS Ski Flying World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. However, his crowning achievement came in March 2021, when he and the Polish team clinched a bronze medal at the World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Despite his successes, Stekala has faced challenges. He has been competing in the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup across Europe, aiming to regain a spot on Poland’s “A team.” Nonetheless, the new year marks a fresh start for Stekala. He hopes that 2025 will bring him better fortunes both personally and professionally. “Today, on the 1st of January, I am starting a new chapter,” he stated. “I do not want to hide who I am anymore. I am myself — a human being who loved and still loves. I know that he [Damian] would want me to go on living at peace with myself.”

Stekala’s brave revelation highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ athletes in sports traditionally dominated by heteronormative narratives. At the last Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022, only one ski jumper, Austria's Daniela Iraschko-Stolz, was openly LGBTQ, illustrating the ongoing need for representation and inclusion in winter sports.

Stekala’s story is not alone. Eric Mitchell, a former ski jumper for Canada, publicly came out as gay in 2015. Similarly, U.S. freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, known for his silver medal at Sochi 2014, came out the following year. These athletes, along with others like Hig Roberts, a U.S. national giant slalom champion, are paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ athletes.

In his message, Stekala thanked his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his journey. “I ask for your understanding and respect. My story is a story of love which deserves light, not darkness,” he wrote. “I will carry his name in my heart till the end of my days. I wish you all love and courage in the coming year.”

As Stekala prepares to return to competitive skiing, with the Continental Cup resuming in Klingenthal, Germany, on January 11, he carries with him the hopes and well wishes of those who stand by him. His courage to live openly and authentically serves as an inspiration to many within the LGBTQ community and beyond.

Stekala’s announcement and the overwhelming support he received underscore the importance of visibility and acceptance in sports. As more athletes like Stekala come forward, they help to foster a more inclusive environment, one where individuals can compete and excel, free of the burden of hiding who they are.

With his heart on his sleeve and his head held high, Andrzej Stekala embarks on this new chapter, honoring the memory of his beloved Damian, and embracing a future where he can be true to himself.