Michael Gunning, gay colored-race swimmer focuses on 2021 Olympics to represent Jamaica in swimming!

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: shahid | In Interesting Facts , Lifestyle

Michael Gunning is a gay colored-race athlete who holds dual citizenship in Jamaica and Great Britain.
But for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he has decided to represent Jamaica in swimming.
Know the reason why he chose Jamaica and not Greater Britain for his representation in the Olympics.

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Michael Gunning and his Jamaican representation in the Tokyo Olympics 2021

The year 2020 only went into the coronavirus pandemic. The whole world was at a standstill and events were postponed.

So were the Tokyo Olympics 2020, though the Japanese government and Olympic Committee were not willing to do so initially.

But after some hesitation, they were ultimately forced to do so since there was no other alternative.

Had the 2020 Tokyo Olympics games been held on schedule, Gunning would have made it big. He would have put Jamaica on the world map in swimming.

Also, he had two more reasons to be of special mention here. He is a gay swimmer and also belongs to the colored race.

Michael and his sexuality

Michael is from Jamaica and it is the country that 14 years back, TIMES MAGAZINE had voted as the most homophobic place on Earth. But over these years, things have improved there for the LGBTQ community.

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays (J-Flag) has grown in strength and celebrated the annual Pride Week this year.

1200 people attended the event in the island nation. The country still has anti-sodomy laws but people are challenging that as well.

Michael said:

“The world is turning slowly and I think it is changing and I’m sure in time, Jamaica will accept LGBT people and legislation will change, but it’s a slow process and I think the more role models we have, the better.”

Michael holds a Jamaican national level record in 200 m butterfly and also in 200m and 400m freestyle. He is a role model for the country. He does want to show the world that a gay athlete can become the face of the Jamaican swim team.

Michael and his colored race

The swimmer is happy to represent Jamaica for another reason. He belongs to the colored race and he said:

“When I was growing up, I had so many role models and none of them were Black. I never really looked up to any Black role models because there weren’t really any in swimming…”

He added:

“When I was younger, there is that saying: ‘Black people can’t swim.’ And I think one of my biggest goals was just to try and prove everyone wrong and make it on teams, [win] international medals…I just wanted to be that person that people can look up to out in Jamaica that shows that Black people can swim.”

Michael’s participation and potential win at the 2021 Olympics would be a major step in the direction of the colored race and gay people. He is focused on getting some titles in swimming at an international level and we wish him the best for it!

Also, read Julia Zaher: The tahini-manufacturing company and its products boycotted over gay rights group donation!

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