The Rio Olympics are almost over, and LGBT athletes have cleaned up in a variety of sports. With the British couple who won gold in field hockey, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in flyweight boxing, and more, out athletes claimed more medals this year than ever -- we count 12 -- making history along the way.
Take a look at these Olympic medalists from our community. The closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Games takes place Sunday evening.
Italy's Bruni Wins Silver in 10km Marathon, Dedicates Medal to Girlfriend
Rachele Bruni let the world know in a nonchalant way after winning her medal in the long-distance swimming race Monday. Bruni, who is an eight-time European champion, dedicated her medal to her "beloved" Diletta Faina. She confirmed the relationship when Italian media pressed her, but says she's always lived "naturally" and has "never done a big coming-out." Until now, of course.
Brazil's Silva Brings Host Nation Judo Gold
Rafaela Silva made headlines not only for being the first to win a medal for Team Brazil and her comments slamming racism in her country, but also for speaking about her girlfriend for the first time, to Brazilian media outlet Globo. Silva's Instagram is full of adorable love-filled pictures with girlfriend Thamara Cezar.
Great Britain's Daley Takes Synchronized 10m Bronze
Tom Daley and diving partner Dan Goodfellow grabbed the bronze medal in the synchronized platform diving competition earlyr in the games. A third Olympic appearance and second medal for Daley, who failed to medal in the 10-meter platform diving competition. NBC received criticism for failing to mention Daley's fiance, screenwriter and Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black, during his bronze medal performance.
South Africa's Caster Semenya Wind Gold in Women's 800m
Caster Semenya overcame the haters to win a gold medal in the 800-meter. Semenya gained attention off the track when officials speculated about her gender and subjected her to testing. Olympic officials allowed her to compete but did put rules in place (temporarily suspended) that would force athletes like Semenya with higher testosterone levels to take hormone reduction medication. Semenya married Violet Raseboya earlier this year.
Two Gay Equestrians Help Great Britain Win Silver
Before Tom Daley, Carl Hester was the first and only out gay British Olympian. And this year, he and former boyfriend Spencer Wilton helped Great Britain win equestrian team dressage silver. (Dressage is the French word referring to "training" and is one of three equestrian styles at the games) This is Hester's second Olympic medal; he won gold in the same event in 2012. From left: Fiona Bigwood, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, and Spencer Wilton.
South African Javelin Thrower Viljoen Wins Silver
Three-time Olympian Sunette Viljoen brought South Africa its ninth medal Thursday. Viljoen also made news in her home country after reporting a domestic dispute with her brother after she came out as a lesbian. According to South African outlet Times Live, a month before the games she posted on Facebook about the alleged abuse, saying she's "speaking out for every person out there who is being broken emotionally or physically over who they love."
Great Britain's Adams Defends Title With Second Gold
Boxer Nicola Adams wins gold for the second time in the women's 51kg flyweight, becoming the first British boxer in 92 years to successfully defend a gold medal. Adams, who identifies as bisexual, made history in 2012 when she became the first openly LGBT person to win a gold medal in boxing. That was the first year women's boxing was in the games.
U.S. Women's Basketball Team Claims Sixth Consecutive Olympic Gold
Out players Elena Delle Donne (who came out earlier this year), Seimone Augustus, Brittney Griner, and Angel McCoughtry helped the U.S. team maintain its dominance in Olympic basketball, winning over Spain in the gold medal game.
Lesbian Couple Win Gold in Field Hockey
Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, members of Great Britain's women's field hockey team, made history as the first same-sex married couple to medal. The couple married in 2013 when same-sex marriage became legal in the United Kingdom. The team, which also includes out athlete Susannah Townsend, won over the Netherlands in a shootout. The Netherlands team, which settled for silver after years of gold, included two out players, three-time Olympian Maartje Paumen and Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel.
Swedish Silver-Winning Soccer Team Has Four Out Players
The Swedish women's soccer team, including out players Caroline Seger, Lisa Dahlkvist, Nilla Fischer, and Hedvig Lindahl took home the silver medal after losing to Germany in the final. Canada, which won the bronze, has two out members, Stephanie Labbe and Marie-Eve Nault.
All photos: Associated Press
