Marie Patouillet, a queer French para-cyclist, has made headlines by clinching her first Paralympic gold medal in the C5 category of the 3,000m individual pursuit. This victory adds to her impressive collection of medals, which already includes a silver from earlier in these Games and two bronzes from the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.
Following her win, Patouillet embarked on a lap of honor before heading straight into the crowd to celebrate with her wife, Soraya Garlenq. In a touching display of affection, the couple shared a kiss, drawing cheers from their family, friends, and spectators. Garlenq, easy to spot in the crowd wearing a t-shirt with Patouillet’s face on it, had earlier motivated her wife with the words, “These are your last laps, don’t think about the podium, you have to make them magical.”
The significance of Patouillet’s victory extends beyond the sporting arena. As an openly queer athlete, her success and the public celebration of her relationship with Garlenq highlight the importance of visibility and representation in sports. Their kiss, a moment of personal joy, also serves as a powerful statement of love and equality in a world where LGBTQ+ athletes continue to face challenges both on and off the field.
Despite a brief moment where Patouillet appeared faint during the medal ceremony, she stood strong as the French national anthem played. With two more events ahead—the individual time trial on Wednesday and the road race on Friday—Patouillet aims to further contribute to Team LGBTQ’s growing medal tally, which currently stands at four golds, three silvers, and two bronzes.
Patouillet’s journey is a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of athletes who not only strive for personal and professional excellence but also pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusion within the sporting community. As her story continues to unfold, it remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere.