Conor McDermott-Mostowy, the openly gay speed skater who bravely came out two years ago, has once again showcased his remarkable talent on the ice by securing three medals at the recent US National Championships. McDermott-Mostowy’s outstanding performance saw him claim bronze medals in both the 1000-meter and 1500-meter events, while he clinched a well-deserved silver medal in the mass start competition. His formidable skills also earned him a respectable fifth-place finish in the 500-meter race.
In reflecting on his achievements, McDermott-Mostowy expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Overall, I’m very pleased with the weekend. It was close to as well-skated a weekend as I could have asked for. I haven’t felt this good on the ice since before the 2022 Olympic season.” His dedication to the sport has been unwavering, and his hard work has certainly paid off.
McDermott-Mostowy’s journey as an openly LGBTQ athlete began with his decision to come out publicly in 2021, shortly before winning national championships in the 1000-meter and mass start categories. Earlier this year, he further demonstrated his commitment to raising awareness by participating in the AIDS/LifeCycle as an avid cyclist.
Looking ahead, McDermott-Mostowy’s next challenge lies in the ISU Speed Skating World Cup, where he will compete in the first leg of the tournament, set to take place in Japan. Speaking about his anticipation for the upcoming event, he remarked, “The [USA] team has become incredibly deep over the last few years, but it’s made for more fun US Championships. I’m incredibly excited to head off to world cups this week with such a large, talented team.”
Conor McDermott-Mostowy’s remarkable achievements not only exemplify his prowess as a speed skater but also serve as an inspiring testament to the resilience and talent of LGBTQ athletes on the global stage. His dedication and success continue to make strides toward greater inclusivity and representation in the world of sports.
