US track star Trey Cunningham captured the attention of fans and spectators during the May 2024 US Olympic Trials with his impressive skills in the 110-meter hurdles. However, it’s not just his athleticism that has made headlines – Cunningham recently came out as gay in a groundbreaking interview with The New York Times.
The 25-year-old hails from Winfield, Alabama, and has been making waves in the track and field world with his specialization in the 110-meter hurdles. With a silver medal in the event at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Cunningham has proven himself to be a formidable competitor on the track.
In his interview with The New York Times, Cunningham opened up about his journey of self-acceptance and the challenges he faced in coming out to his friends and family. Describing it as the “scariest thing I’ve ever done,” he highlighted the importance of expressing his goals out loud as a key part of his training routine.
Despite facing some pushback from his parents initially, Cunningham found solace in the unwavering support of his friends who accepted him wholeheartedly for who he is. He hopes that one day, athletes like him will not have to ‘come out’ and can simply be themselves without fear of judgment.
While Cunningham did not secure a spot on Team USA for the Paris Olympics, his talent and determination have garnered him recognition as the 11th ranked athlete in the Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles worldwide. His resilience and courage in embracing his identity as a gay athlete serve as an inspiration to many, paving the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance in the world of sports.
