U.S. Speedskater Connor McDermott-Mostowy Prepares for Olympic Debut

U.S. speedskater Connor McDermott-Mostowy is set to make his Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy. He will be one of over 40 openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing, marking a record number for the Winter Olympics, according to Outsports. McDermott-Mostowy observed that the sports environment might remain less inviting for gay men compared to gay women. He noted that seven of the eight openly LGBTQ+ athletes from Team USA are women.

McDermott-Mostowy will be one of over 40 openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing, marking a record number for the Winter Olympics, according to Outsports.

Advocacy and Career Path

McDermott-Mostowy publicly came out as gay in 2021 after securing a gold medal at the U.S. speedskating championships. Since then, he has advocated for athletes addressing their sexual identity, particularly highlighting challenges in team sports where coming out may carry more perceived risks.

His path to the Olympics included overcoming a setback in 2022 when he missed the team roster due to contracting norovirus. He subsequently achieved consistent top finishes in world speedskating competitions. Last month, McDermott-Mostowy secured his spot at the Winter Games by winning the Men's 1000 meters at the U.S. team trials. In Milan, he is slated to compete in the 1000 meters and serve as an alternate in Team Pursuit.

Leadership and Support

In addition to his athletic achievements, McDermott-Mostowy was elected by his peers to the U.S. Speedskating board of directors as an athlete representative. He serves alongside four-time Olympian Brittany Bowe, who is also openly out.

His mother, Elizabeth McDermott, expressed concern about her son being an openly gay athlete but noted the support he receives from his speedskating teammates and coaches. His father, Tom Mostowy, stated pride in his son's advocacy. Chris Callis, one of McDermott-Mostowy's early coaches, identified his potential as an Olympian from an early age.

On February 11, Connor McDermott-Mostowy is scheduled to compete, with a watch party planned by the Kids on Ice program and fans in D.C. to support him.