World-Class Ski Jumper Opens Up About His Identity and Loss on New Year's Day

In a heartfelt and poignant revelation, Andrzej Stekala, an accomplished ski jumper from Poland, publicly embraced his identity as a gay man through an emotional Instagram post shared on New Year’s Day. Stekala, who gained international recognition by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2021, expressed his hope and heartache as he navigates a new chapter in his life.

Stekala began his message with a powerful declaration: "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." His revelation marks a significant personal milestone, as he had been concealing his sexuality for years, even while in a meaningful relationship with his late partner, Damian.

In his post, Stekala paid tribute to Damian, describing him as "the person who changed my life — he was my pillar, my support, and my biggest fan." Tragically, Damian passed away in November of the previous year, leaving Stekala to grapple with profound grief and loss.

The Instagram reel accompanying his message is a touching tribute to their time together, featuring photos of their vacations, intimate moments, and the couple’s shared love, all set to the moving song "Good News" by Shaboozey.

The 29-year-old athlete shared his ongoing struggle with expressing the depth of his sorrow: "I cannot find the words to describe the pain I have been feeling ever since that fatal day. The world we had been building together fell to pieces. Every day without him is a fight, but also a reminder of how unconditionally I loved and was loved."

Stekala’s journey with Damian began in 2016, a significant year in his career as it was shortly after his debut in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, the pinnacle of competitive ski jumping. In January of that year, Stekala was part of the Polish team that secured a bronze medal in the team competition in Zakopane, Poland, marking an important achievement early in his career.

Over the years, Stekala continued to excel, contributing to his team’s success in the FIS Ski Flying World Championships in December 2020 and achieving his greatest accomplishment to date with a bronze medal in the large hill team competition at the World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, in March 2021.

Despite his successes, Stekala found himself outside the "A team" of Polish ski jumpers in recent months, competing in the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup across Norway, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. However, he expresses optimism for the future, hoping for a fresh start in 2025 as he embraces his true self.

"Today, on the 1st of January, I am starting a new chapter," Stekala wrote. "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."

As Stekala's story continues to reach a wider audience, he has received an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, politicians, and celebrities. One such message came from Norway’s Halvor Egner Granerud, a fellow ski jumper and World Championships silver medalist, who commented: "Stay strong Andrzej… heartbreaking to read about your loss. Hope your brave 2025 will be a good year for you, filled with the freedom of not hiding who you are. All the best wishes."

Stekala’s courage in sharing his truth serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of authenticity and love. "I ask for your understanding and respect. My story is a story of love which deserves light, not darkness," he stated. "I wish to thank those of you who were by my side over the years, especially my family and closest friends. It is in you where I find my strength to open up."

In the world of sports, where LGBTQ+ representation is steadily increasing, Stekala’s openness contributes to a broader movement toward inclusion and acceptance. While only one ski jumper was among the publicly out LGBTQ athletes at the last Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022, athletes like Stekala are paving the way for more to feel comfortable in their own skin.

As Stekala prepares to return to competitive action in the upcoming Continental Cup in Klingenthal, Germany, on January 11, he remains committed to honoring Damian's memory and living authentically. "I will carry his name in my heart till the end of my days," Stekala affirmed. "I wish you all love and courage in the coming year."