Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy recently shared a deeply personal connection to the hit seriesHeated Rivalry, revealing how the show’s storylines resonated with his own experiences navigating love and identity before publicly coming out.
Kenworthy, who came out in 2015 and is now competing for Team GB at the Winter Olympics, found himself unexpectedly moved by the show’s depiction of closeted characters and their struggles with authenticity.
Initially dismissing the series as simply “smut,” Kenworthy’s perspective shifted dramatically after the third episode, which focuses on the poignant relationship between hockey player Scott Hunter and barista Kip Grady.
He described a striking parallel between his own past and the dynamic between Shane Hollander and movie star Rose Landry, characters within the show. He confessed that Miley Cyrus, with whom he was once romantically linked, played a similar role in his life to Rose.
“Miley Cyrus was my own Rose,” Kenworthy explained, acknowledging the allure of being with a successful and admired figure, but also recognizing the fundamental difference in connection when exploring his own sexuality.
The experience prompted him to reach out to the show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, expressing his surprise at the profound impact the series had on him. He hadn’t anticipated seeing his own story so powerfully reflected onscreen.
Kenworthy also identified with Scott Hunter’s internal conflict – the desire to live openly versus the fear of consequences. He understood the yearning for public acceptance and the freedom to love without hiding.
For years, Kenworthy himself lived with that same internal struggle, longing to be in love and to share his life openly, but feeling constrained by circumstances. His story underscores the universal desire for authenticity and acceptance.
The show’s impact has even reached Miley Cyrus, who expressed her enthusiasm for contributing music to a potential second season, stating it’s “all I’ve heard about” recently.
Kenworthy’s return to the Olympics marks a new chapter, following a period of creative exploration that included crafting unique items and co-founding an LGBTQ+ book club. His journey embodies a powerful message of self-discovery and embracing one’s true identity.
