Stekala, a Polish ski jumper, comes out as gay

Andrzej Stekala, a Polish ski jumper, came out as homosexual in public after delivering a heartfelt statement in which he lamented the death of his lover in November.

In 2015, the 29-year-old began playing in the World Cup. Stekala was a member of the Polish squad that took home bronze in the 2020 Ski Flying World Championships and the 2021 FIS World Championships.

“I spent years concealing and living in the shadow of terror because I was worried that my true self would ruin me. I want you to truly know who I am. Late on Wednesday, he posted on social media, “I’m gay.”

Stekala stated that one of the reasons he chose to come out publicly was because he was grieving the loss of his long-term girlfriend, who died in November.

“I no longer wish to conceal my identity. I am a man who has loved and continues to love. And I am aware that he would prefer that I keep living in balance with who I am.

The Polish team for the current Four Hills Tournament does not include Stekala.

Because of deeply ingrained conservative views and the Catholic Church’s continued strong influence, very few Polish athletes have come out as gay.