Canadian football star Quinn is being saluted as the first openly transgender or non-binary athlete to become an Olympic gold medal winner.
The 25-year-old midfielder helped Canada to a penalty shootout win over Sweden in the Tokyo Olympic Games women’s football final on Friday night.
Quinn – who goes by one name and uses gender-neutral pronouns – spoke of their pride after Canada’s victory.
“The Olympics is wild,’’ they said. “There’s games back-to-back-to-back, but it’s been really incredible.
“This team has been working so hard together for so long. These are my best friends, my best mates, and so honestly, it’s been a blast.”
Other openly trans or non-binary athletes – including New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard and American skateboarder Alana Smith – have competed at Tokyo, but Quinn is the first to win a gold medal.
Quinn’s historic feat has been widely acknowledged by world media and the global football players union, Fifpro.
Before competing in Tokyo, Quinn wrote on Instagram about how they were proud to be representing the trans community on the Olympic stage.
“I feel proud seeing ‘ Quinn’ up on the lineup and on my accreditation,” they said. “I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world. I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures, and mindsets.”
“Mostly, I feel aware of the realities. Trans girls being banned from sports. Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams,” they said.
“The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here.’’
Quinn was guaranteed of the honour of becoming the Olympic’s first trans medal winner when Canada beat the United States in the semifinals.
But they spoke after that match of their desire to go one better.
“I’m so proud of my team. They’re my best friends. I’m so glad we’re bringing back a better medal than bronze,” Quinn said.
Quinn was in Canada’s bronze medal winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a 20-year-old.
