World melts over Aussie Campbell Harrison’s touching Games kiss
Aussie sports climber Campbell Harrison has produced one of the Paris Olympics’ sweetest moments with a clear message to “homophobes and bigots”.
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Aussie sport climber Campbell Harrison may have missed out on qualifying for the final of the men’s boulder and lead competition, but he delivered a strong message the world heard loud and clear.
Last November, Harrison qualified for the Olympics and celebrated the achievement with a kiss with his boyfriend Justin, becoming the first publicly LGBTQ sport climb to qualify for the Olympics.
The kiss was later picked up by the Olympics official social media accounts.
But rather than celebrate the achievement, the image was targeted by vile comments and negativity.
At the time, former Australia Olympic gold medallist diver Matthew Mitcham, who is also openly gay, hit back at the vitriol.
“15 years ago I kissed my partner on camera when I won in Beijing 2008. This one post has received more hate than I did in my whole career,” Mitcham commented at the time.
Despite the hate however, Harrison showed it didn’t bother him one bit, sharing another kiss with Justin after the event.
Harrison finished tied for 19th with a score of 9.4, with only the top eight from each semi-final moving forward, confirming his exit from the event.
“Qualifying was so hard and getting through everything to be here was really tough. It was just not my day,” Campbell said.
“It’s pretty crazy. This morning, when I woke up, I was kind of emotional. I thought, ‘Oh, I guess I’m an Olympian now.’ So that’s kind of wild. At the end of the day, that was the big goal.
“It’s like nothing you’ve seen before unless you’ve watched climbing before.
“The way people use their bodies in so many different ways. All athletes have these different strengths that they all put to the test on the wall.”
He said it was important for people to show their true selves to encourage others to be comfortable.
“We often tell ourselves that society as a whole is becoming more progressive, or that things are ‘getting better,’” he continued.
“But the reality is ….there’s a reason why you see so few out, queer athletes in sport.
“And that’s because we’re still not safe here … yet. ‘Pride matters. Representation matters.
“It’s homophobes and bigots that should feel unwelcome in sport. Not me. Not Justin. Not queer people just trying to live our lives without having to lie about and hide who we are.”
Harrison’s brilliant comments also saw plenty of love directed his way.
DNA Magazine commented: “He didn’t win gold, but he won in life & love. Campbell Harrison’s kiss at the Olympics has everyone talking.”
Outsports posted: “Campbell Harrison simultaneously had an off day, and he also had a huge win showing his love for his boyfriend.”
One fan wrote: “Disgusted to hear Aussie climber Campbell Harrison was subject to homophobic comments earlier this year. Missed out on a medal, but did his country proud! Good on you Campbell.”
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Originally published as World melts over Aussie Campbell Harrison’s touching Games kiss
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