The 2026 Winter Olympics are off to a flying start for Team LGBTQ+, with two queer athletes already claiming gold medals. Sunday, February 8, delivered a historic moment when American skier Breezy Johnson won the women’s downhill alpine skiing race. The victory made the bisexual athlete the first out queer competitor to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Later that same day, pansexual figure skater Amber Glenn captured gold in her Olympic debut during the team figure skating event, adding to the celebrations for LGBTQ+ sports fans worldwide. This year’s Games feature a record-breaking 41 out LGBTQ+ athletes from 13 countries. Queer sports media brand Outsports is tracking performances through its “Team LGBTQ+” campaign.
Despite her win, Glenn told USA Today she initially felt disappointed with part of her performance, citing soreness and the need for recovery. That recovery ultimately helped secure gold for Team USA and Team LGBTQ+. Johnson, meanwhile, embraced the challenge, saying, “I knew I had to push… I just hoped it would be enough.” More history is expected this week as Swedish skier Elis Lundholm becomes the first trans man to compete in the Winter Games.
