by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
New Zealand speed skater Blake Skjellerup, who competed in the recent Vancouver Olympics, came out in the Australian gay magazine DNA in early May.
"Back when I was 18, and becoming serious about my sport and my Olympic goals, if I could have seen an athlete like myself out there … my journey would have been a lot easier," the 24-year-old told the magazine.
"I can't personally relate to (American figure skater Johnny) Weir or (out Welsh rugby star Gareth) Thomas, and nor will many other young gay athletes out there," he said. "But maybe some of them will see something in me to relate to."
