The Out Year in Sports So Far Is Truly Inspiring

A closeted soccer player in Germany made headlines when he wrote an anonymous column about why he's afraid to come out publicly. But others this year have boldly stood up, with the latest a boxing star.

BY Lucas Grindley

October 04 2012 3:57 PM ET

Ji Wallace of Australia celebrates in Sydney in 2000 after winning silver in the Men's Trampoline.

Ji Wallace
A former Olympian in the trampoline competition from Australia said he was inspired by diver Greg Louganis and newsman Anderson Cooper when he came out in August as both HIV-positive and gay. "Being seen does have value. A voice does have value," he wrote. "I have the support of my boyfriend, my great friends and my loving parents. Many do not and this is, in part, for them."