Gay Olympian Diver Hottie Maxim Bouchard On Coming Out

July 29, 2024
ALEXANDER

Gay Olympian Diver Hottie Maxim Bouchard On Coming Out

There's no doubt the Paris Summer Olympics are pretty gay. We've shared the number of out athletes who are competing, and we also covered the queer style and sensibility that was brought to the opening ceremonies. The presence of drag queens during the ceremony caused a stir! Screw the conservatives, our queer rainbow is flying high! Reflecting on the roster of out athletes this year is Canadian diver Maxim Bouchard. Yes, we are staring at his bulge in his speedo, but he's also a stellar representation of the gay community.

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A post shared by Maxim Bouchard OLY (@max_bouchard)

Maxim has overcome a lot in his athletic career. In 2010, he was preparing for a dive at an exhibition show in the Philippines. The platform he was diving on collapsed, and he plummeted to the concrete below instead of into the water. With multiple wounds, he was rushed to the hospital where the doctors were able to stitch him up, but had to insert a metal plate into his left arm. He was told he would never dive again. He proved them wrong.

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A post shared by Maxim Bouchard OLY (@max_bouchard)

He was back in the game in only 18 months just barely missing placement for the 2012 London Olympics. He was a finalist at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and competed in the World Championship the following year.

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A post shared by Maxim Bouchard OLY (@max_bouchard)

In addition to working his way back into the diving world, he also came to terms with his sexuality. He said that he always keeps things to himself and some of his coaches expressed homophobic behavior, which dissuaded Maxim from coming to terms with being gay. By 2016, he was confident enough to come out during a Grand Prix event. He said his teammates were supportive. He felt more pressure coming out to his family because his brother is also gay. They welcomed his announcement with open arms.

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A post shared by Maxim Bouchard OLY (@max_bouchard)

After coming out, Maxim's diving performance improved to the height of his athletic career and he qualified for the Rio Olympics. He said he never would have made it if he hadn't come out. Being true to himself gave him the confidence in the water. He is encouraged by watching the new generation of divers at this year's Olympics and understands that many athletes are still in the closet and wishes to serve as an example of being gay and being a winner at the same time.

And sorry, boys. He is taken. He just celebrated his 8 year anniversary with his hot boyfriend. Yes, we are jealous. Yes, we'd love to watch.