Strongman Rob Kearney On Being An Unapologetically Gay Athlete
Rob Kearney is an elite professional strongman. He’s competed with the best and at the biggest events in the business, qualifying for World’s Strongest Man on four occasions and the Arnold Classic on three occasions. He’s also the first openly gay man to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Rob sat down with Myprotein recently to talk about the strength it took to come out, how proud he is to represent the LGBTQ+ community, and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.
“My sexual orientation has absolutely no bearing on what I can do as a strongman athlete.”
Rob has been an athlete for most of his life, but he’s spent much of it alone. He never saw anyone like him, so didn’t think it was possible for someone like him to get to the top.
It was only after coming out in 2014, Rob fully realised that it didn’t matter, and that to be the best strongman he could be, he needed to live openly and be honest to himself.
With this weight off his shoulders, Rob was able to focus 100 per cent on his training, as he was no longer spending so much time and energy hiding such a big part of himself.
But it took a lot of strength to come out. As there were no other openly gay professional strongmen, Rob didn't know what the reaction would be.
“I didn’t know if it was going to be something that was really positive or even career ending.”
Fortunately, his fellow professionals were incredibly proud and accepting.
“The spotlight was kind of thrust upon us really quickly.”
Rob was positively surprised by the blanket support of his fellow professionals, having anticipated a more mixed response. What he also didn’t expect was how much attention it would bring from outside the strongman arena.
But he seized the opportunity, recognising he could promote inclusivity and equality, and be a role model to other aspiring LGBTQ+ athletes.
“It isn’t about wins or losses necessarily. I want to leave a legacy.”
Being the best is the number one focus of most athletes. Rob’s the same, but he also has other achievements on his mind.
Take Home Message
Rob’s a true trailblazer. His journey to the top of his sport, courage to be its first openly gay competitor, and commitment to proudly representing people like him prove that he really is one of the world’s strongest men.
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