Tag: Olympics

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News Round-Up: May 10, 2021

Andrew Garfield shooting a scene for 'Mainstream' in 2019 nearly naked

Philipp Tanzer today
Philipp Tanzer today (screen capture via BBC)
Some news items you might have missed: • Pink News: Former gay porn star turned far-right “men’s rights activist” Philipp Tanzer (above) has failed to win a seat in the Scottish elections. Tanzer was a well-known porn actor and identified as gay until the age of 32 – but he then renounced his sexuality and began dating women. • Variety: POSE star MJ Rodriguez has already booked her next gig – she will star opposite Maya Rudolph in an upcoming Apple comedy series. It follows Molly (Rudolph), a woman whose seemingly perfect life is upended after her husband leaves her with nothing but 87 billion dollars. Rodriguez will play Sofia, the hard-working executive director of the non-profit funded by her absentee billionaire boss, Molly. • C&C: Gifs of actor Andrew Garfield shooting a movie scene in NYC wearing a fake penis have surfaced. In the images, you can see Garfield giving high fives and trying to hug people as he filmed a scene for Mainstream in 2019. Click the link to see uncensored gifs. Andrew Garfield shooting a scene for 'Mainstream' in 2019 nearly naked • ABC News: A new poll shows nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Olympic Games to be cancelled, less than three months before the Games are due to open. The Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to the pandemic, are set to open on July 23. • AP News: The Transportation Security Administration said that slightly more than 1.7 million people were screened at airport checkpoints on Sunday, the highest number since March 2020, when travel was collapsing because of the coronavirus outbreak. • Gr8erDays: The Hollywood nostalgia site celebrates the birthday of actor and race car driver Bruce Penhall as their Mantique of the Day for May 10. Penhall, who turns 64 today, is best known for  his role on the NBC series “CHiPs” and the “Savage Beach” (1989) movies. https://www.instagram.com/p/COrA7E6BrMN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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IOC: 2020 Olympic Games Will Be Postponed

In a move not done since World War II, USA Today reports the 2020 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Tokyo will be postponed.

Veteran International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports Monday afternoon that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are going to be postponed, likely to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks.

“On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”

Pound, a Canadian who has been one of the most influential members of the IOC for decades, said he believes the IOC will announce its next steps soon. “It will come in stages,” he said. “We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense.”

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Grab The Coconut Oil, Pita Taufatofua Is Going Back To The Olympics

Pita Taufatofua, whose shirtless entrance at the opening ceremonies of the past two Olympic Games nearly broke the internet, will be oiling up again for his third Olympics. The 36-year-old athlete from Tonga recently qualified for the 2020 Games in Tokyo having clinched a spot in taekwondo at a qualifying event in Australia.

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I dreamt my whole life of becoming an Olympian. My Mother had put me into Taekwondo as a five year old kid. To make three Olympics in a row was something I had never imagined. This third qualification was even more special because it wasn’t in some far away country but close to home where my family could attend. The look on my Mothers face when I qualified I will always remember. She said she was proud of seeing me qualify but was overcome with relief that I had gotten through the competition without more injury. My family has seen all the struggle and pain, they have been there through the broken bones and torn ligaments. I’m glad they were able to also be there to share in this special moment… #ThreeTimeOlympian #family #tokyo2020 #olympian #ThisOnesForThePlanet

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USA Today reports Taufatofua originally set out to qualify in a new sport for him – sprint kayak – having set a goal of qualifying for three consecutive Olympics in three different sports. But a rib injury in early February hampered his kayak training and impacted his performance in the qualifying races.

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Camp update- As is the nature of sports and life things rarely go to plan. Last week I tore my serratus muscles which connects to my rib causing sharp pain along my side and on my lower ribs. With a week and a half till my Olympic qualifier for Kayak and three weeks for Taekwondo it’s made any form of training challenging and painful. I haven’t been able to bend or twist or hold my core. For close to 5 months in this camp I haven’t missed a day of training and am in the best condition of my life. Normally before a competition an athlete will taper off. I decided not to taper but to ramp up my training to hit a speed bench mark. I’ve been running on the fence between improving rapidly in a new sport and pushing a limit to see what my body could take and how fast I could improve. My balance had finally gotten better and so I decided to push for speed. In the last three weeks I went from 8km/hr in a race kayak to a PB of 19.2km/hr. I was targeting 21+ km/hr by race day to be competitive and so I pushed harder. During a sprint session my body decided to push back and I’ve ended up with a torn muscle and rib injury. Not the worst injury I’ve had but definitely one of the more painful and inconvenient in terms of timing. We have decided to hold off paddling and kicking to see if the pain can subside. All we can do is upright stationary cycle and walk. My coach is back from NZ after having a beautiful baby boy to add to his family. We have been strategising how best to proceed. Other than the injury I am in the best physical and mental condition of my life. I didn’t fall out of my kayak 1000 times into a bull shark river just to stop. In times like this I go to prayer for help beyond what I can do alone. My spirits is high and we are doing all we can to maintain my condition while I heal. Come competition day whatever happens with the injury or the pain I will be in the kayak on that starting line and will hold nothing back, rib or no rib..whatever I have left I will give. This is a time where we have to rise to the challenge presented. I cant thank all of you enough for your support of this oily coconut that floated a long way from home. Ofa Atu

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The handsome athlete has continued to train in taekwondo, the sport which first sent him to the Olympics. Just weeks after falling short for kayaking, he pushed through the pain in Oceania’s qualification event to score his return ticket to Tokyo. Having trained in Taekwondo since the age of five, he was the first Tongan to ever compete in the sport for his country in the 2016 Games. He became a media sensation during those Games after his coconut oiled entrance as the flag bearer for Tonga. He told The Guardian at the time, “No one had ever heard of Tonga! We were like, how is this even possible?” The island nation of nearly 100,000 people sits on a group of islands east of Australia.

In December 2016, he announced he would learn to ski in order to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in cross-country skiing. He had never been on snow skis in his life prior to training for the sport. After slow finishes in several races, he traveled through a harrowing blizzard in the Arctic Circle to the final qualifying event. He made it to the race in time and became the second-ever Tongan to compete in a Winter Olympic Games. He was again the flag bearer in his shirtless, coconut oil glory at the opening ceremonies. He competed in the 15km freestyle race coming in 114th out of 119 skiers.

Some might have been disappointed, but for Taufatofua it was the effort and the journey that mattered. And sports fans were inspired by his undaunted spirit. Even though he’s already got a ticket to Tokyo, Taufatofua still plans on attempting to qualify for kayaking in what he calls a last-ditch effort. Not just a pretty face, when he’s not training he is studying at college having earned a degree in engineering and is currently working towards his master’s degree. He’s also a UNICEF ambassador and spends time working with homeless youth charities as well as working to raise awareness of global warming. In his most recent Instagram post, he wrote, “I promised myself to always remember where I came from, to remain grounded. Unlike Icarus, I could never fly too close to the sun (coconut oil, like my eyebrows, is flammable) – I would approach life with the mindset of ‘it’s only just beginning.’” “I wanted to help as many people as possible reach their full potential, to show them what they too were capable of achieving,” he added. “I wanted to bring awareness to our beautiful planet, our oceans and the problems it faces.” “So now it’s time for us to bumble our way towards another Olympics,” he concluded. “So sit back with your seat in an upright position, stow your tray tables, put your flu mask on, disinfect your hands and join me on this ride towards Tokyo and beyond!” Happy Hump Day to Pita Taufatofua, a true inspiration.

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Its been a very busy week since the qualification. Ive been receiving messages, doing countless interviews and been sent news links from people in all different parts of the world. It’s more amusing then anything for me. I laugh and sometimes cringe at the ones I read. I remember long before my first Olympic qualification I made a promise to myself. I had noticed that many athletes, Olympians, movie stars, musicians who made it and then just stopped. Some drunk, snorted or self sabotaged themselves into a bad place. In some ways I felt for them and their struggles. I saw this long before I accidentally slipped into my first news article. I promised myself to always remember where I came from, to remain grounded. Unlike Icarus I could never fly too close to the sun ( coconut oil, like my eye brows is flammable) – I would approach life with the mind set of ‘ its only just beginning’. The wolf climbing the hill was always hungrier then the wolf on top of the hill, I would stay hungry. But most importantly I would need to remember to keep at the forefront a purpose much larger than self and ego. I wanted to help as many people as possible reach their full potential, to show them what they too were capable of achieving. I wanted to bring awareness to our beautiful planet, our oceans and the problems it faces. And the best way I know how to do this is to get my ass kicked time after time as I climb that hill that has no summit. So now it’s time for us to bumble our way towards another Olympics. So sit back with your seat in an upright position, stow your tray tables, put your flu mask on, disinfect your hands and join me on this ride towards Tokyo and beyond! #StayHungry #ThisOnesForThePlanet #Tonga #Olympian #Tokyo2020 @nbcsports @olympicchannel

A post shared by Pita Taufatofua (@pita_tofua) on

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Shirtless Tongan Pita Taufatofua Finishes His Cross-Country Ski Olympic Event

Pita Taufatofua

Pita Taufatofua, who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Taekwondo and in the last year learned cross-country skiing in 2017 to compete in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, finally ran his race today.

Exalting that he “finished the race and didn’t ski into a tree,” the handsome Tongan gratefully accepted his 114th place finish in the men’s 15KM Free, which wasn’t last!

Pita finished 23 minutes behind gold medal winner Dario Cologna, but ahead of Sebastian Uprimny of Colombia and German Madrazo from Mexico.

In case you missed it, check out my report on Pita’s incredible journey to the Winter Olympics here.

Two days ago, Pita shared his strategy with USA Today, “First step, finish before they turn the lights off. That’s number one. Don’t ski into a tree. That’s number two.”

On Instagram, Pita posted the photo above with this message:

“Couldn’t be happier! Got my best time, finished the race and didn’t ski into a tree! But more importantly, I got to share the experience with all our friends from the other exotic countries who never gave up! Soo much respect to them, the medalists and all athletes from around the world who represented their countries with pride”

Pita had this inspiring message for his home country:

Pita was at the finish line to cheer his friend German Madrazo to the end:

Because he is my friend….A post shared by Pita Taufatofua (Pita T) (@pita_tofua) on Feb 16, 2018 at 9:42am PST

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Out Olympian Gus Kenworthy Would Not Accept An Invitation To The Trump White House

Gus Kenworthy says he would not accept an invitation to visit the Trump White House

Out US Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy told CBS This Morning he agrees with fellow Team USA athlete Adam Rippon in his opposition to Vice President Pence and the Trump administration’s anti-LGBT policies and positions.

Speaking to CBS News’ Don Dahler,” Kenworthy said he had “no patience” for the administration’s actions “attacking” the LGBT community.

From The Hill:

“When we have people elected into office that believe in conversion therapy and are trying to strip trans rights in the military and do these things that are directly attacking the LGBT community, I have no patience,” he said.

His comments appear to reference claims that Vice President Mike Pence supported “gay conversion therapy,” which Pence’s office has denied.

Kenworthy earlier this month called Pence a “bad fit” to lead the U.S. delegation to Pyeongchang, South Korea.

“I am so proud to be from the U.S. and to be from a country where you are able to voice your political opinions and stand up for what you believe in,” Kenworthy said on CBS on Thursday.

The woofy freestyle skier from Telluride, Colorado, added that he sees this moment as one of the first gay Americans to compete at a Winter Games as an opportunity to “shed people’s misconceptions” about LGBT athletes.

“I definitely carry a little bit of a burden with me, being a gay athlete going to the Olympics,” said Kenworthy. “I think that there’s pressure… and I think that it kind of gives us a chance to shed people’s misconceptions and just kind of like break down barriers.”

I love this guy.

You can watch Kenworthy’s comments below.

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Out Olympian Gus Kenworthy Shares His Journey To PyeongChang

Out Olympian Gus Kenworthy shares part one of a video trilogy made in conjunction with Samsung chronicling his journey to the 2018 Winter Olympics.

In this clip, titled “Roots,” he looks back on his small hometown of Telluride, Colorado, where no one had gone to the Olympics, let alone win a silver medal as he did in the 2014 Winter Games.

He also allows that he was worried if his fellow Telluriders would have celebrated his success had they known he was gay.

But those fears and concerns proved to be unfounded as he faced coming out in 2015.

Kenworthy is proving an excellent advocate for the LGBTQ community with his calm, honest storytelling of how he got to this moment.

Looking forward to parts two and three. Watch below.

(h/t TheOUTFront)

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Gus Kenworthy Fields Questions About Pence And Shirtless Flagbearing At The Olympics

Gus Kenworthy

Out freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy took part in a press conference over the weekend at the Winter Games in Pyeongchang showing immense poise and confidence in answering questions about a range of topics.

On whether he would sit down to talk with Vice President Mike Pence about his anti-LGBT positions and policies:

“I think I’ve kind of made my opinion on the matter pretty clear. I don’t think that I have any inclination toward a meeting. It think that would be a much bigger distraction for me and right now, I’m just focusing on competing but I’m very excited to be here representing the US and the LGBT community. I’m very happy to meet Adam and we got to hang out at opening ceremonies and I think he’s just a tremendous guy.”

On how being out feels different at these Winter Games:

“I think I’ve actually always been someone that has had to compartmentalize my life because I was in the closet and I was always at fear of outing myself. And I always had so much going on in my mind that I couldn’t share it with anyone, so I actually feel, now that I’m out, I have less to compartmentalize. Although I’ve made it very clear who I am and I think I have taken a step into a sort of leadership role for the LGBT community because there isn’t a ton of representation at the Games, it’s also just me and I’m just being myself. So it’s almost easier than ever to be here and be competing and just feel free and liberated. I’m excited for Adam and all the other out athletes here. It’s an amazing time to be at the Winter Games.”

In a light-hearted moment, Kenworthy was asked if he would take his shirt off, as cross-country skier Pita Taufatofua of Tonga did, if he were to be chosen as flag bearer someday:

“I actually don’t know how that Tongalese guy did that because it was freezing. We had our incredible Ralph Lauren apparel and it was heated. And it was still pretty cold. I’ve got a lot of respect for that guy going out with nothing on. Sure, I would happily do that, but I think there are more aptly suited people to carry the flag. This is Kelly Clark’s fifth Olympics and there are so many people who have insane legacies, and I’m definitely proud of what I’ve done but I doubt I’d be flagbearer if I made it to another Games. But sure, I’ll take it off if I get it.”

Watch the woofy Kenworthy below.

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Adam Rippon Charms On Good Morning America

In an interview with Good Morning America today, US figure skater Adam Rippon was asked whether he would be willing to sit down with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss the anti-LGBT policies and positions Pence has promoted for several years.

Rippon gave the perfect answer.

“You know, I personally don’t have anything to say to Mike Pence. I’m very lucky because legislation that he’s pushed hasn’t affected my life at all. I spoke out because there are people out there who’s lives have been affected by change that he’s tried to make. I spoke out for them because right now I have a voice and I think it’s really important for me to use it. So, that’s a conversation for them to have.”

He was also asked about how he plans on celebrating once he gets home to the US. “I plan on going to Target, getting a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Oyster Bay, with the twist top…? Yeah, immediately.”

I love that Adam is totally Adam in every interview he’s giving.

Watch below.

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Team USA Takes Home Bronze Medal In Team Figure Skating As Adam Rippon Makes Spectacular Debut

Adam Rippon

It was a spectacular night of Olympic figure skating last night as I sat glued to my flatscreen watching Team USA win the bronze medal in the Team skating event.

In the women’s freeskate, Mirai Nagasu made history as the first US woman to ever land a triple axel in Olympic competition (and only the third woman ever).

Out figure skater Adam Rippon made his Olympic debut for the mens freeskate and was dazzling in a performance that captivated the crowd and proved he has what it takes to be a major contender at these games.

Not to grouse, but many viewers were confounded by the fact that Rippon skated a totally clean skate but was scored third behind the skaters from Canada and Russia who both fell. Waiting to see that explained.

It’s worth noting that Rippon and Nagasu, who are besties and roommates at the Olympics, were shut out of the 2014 Olympics. So last night must have been an especially sweet moment to savor together.

In the end, Team Canada took gold, Olympic Athletes from Russia was awarded silver and the Americans took home the bronze.

In doing so, Rippon becomes the first openly gay American to win a Winter Olympic medal.

Also, Eric Radford of Canada becomes the first openly gay athlete to win gold at a Winter Olympics.

In an interview after his skate, Rippon was asked what the experience was like. After a pause, he responded, “Andrea, it’s like pretty awesome. I highly recommend it.”

And fellow gay American Gus Kenworthy posted this on his Instagram:

A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Feb 12, 2018 at 12:22am PST

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Podcast: Bermuda Repeals Marriage Equality; Out US Olympians Celebrate Opening Ceremonies; Sir Ian McKellen Remarks On Kevin Spacey’s Late-Life Coming Out

In this week’s podcast:

• Bermuda becomes the first country in the world to repeal marriage equality

• The 2018 Winter Olympics open as the U.S. celebrates our first two out male athletes to compete at a Winter Games

• Sir Ian McKellen finds Kevin Spacey late-life coming out “distasteful”

• Plus, out singers Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens cover Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband”