With over 2,000 athletes from 198 countries competing at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (13–21 September), this year’s edition has marked a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in sport.
A record 13 openly LGBTQ+ athletes are competing across men’s and women’s events — the highest number ever at a World Championships, and matching the total seen at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The athletes have been proudly collated by queer sports site Outsports, showcasing diversity and visibility across disciplines.
Here are the LGBTQ+ stars making history — and headlines — in Tokyo.
🏃♂️ Men’s Events
Ramsey Angela (The Netherlands) – 4×400m Relay
Ramsey made headlines during the Tokyo 2020 Games after posting photos with his boyfriend online, without any formal “coming out.” He won silver in the relay and is back in form, having taken bronze at the Dutch nationals this year.
“Life is short, be yourself. If you are not yourself, that’s going to hurt,” he said.
“People will accept you if you present yourself as the person you want to be.”
Seamus Derbyshire (Great Britain) – 400m Hurdles
Seamus is now the fifth-fastest Brit in history over the 400m hurdles. Openly gay, he’s spoken about how embracing his identity unlocked his athletic potential.
“Bringing my authentic self has brought me to a point where I feel comfortable again.”
He went viral for his flamboyant start-line routine — flicking his hair, blowing kisses, and making a heart to the camera. Seamus finished 7th in his heat and did not progress.
Nico Young (USA) – 5,000m & 10,000m
Nico publicly came out in 2022 while running for Northern Arizona University.
“This may come as a shock… but this is something I have always known. I like guys, not girls.”
Now a top US distance runner, he’s contesting both the 5,000m and 10,000m in Tokyo. He placed fifth in the 5,000m final.
🏃♀️ Women’s Events
Ana Carolina Azevedo (Brazil) – 100m
Brazil’s national 100m champion made her World Championships debut in Tokyo. Off the track, she’s engaged to Olympic boxing medallist Bia Ferreira.
Ana placed 5th in her heat, narrowly missing the semi-finals.
Roberta Bruni (Italy) – Pole Vault
Italy’s pole vault record-holder has qualified for the final (17 September). Roberta often shares life with her girlfriend, Virginia.
“Thank you for making my chaotic life a little more linear,” she wrote.
Izabela da Silva (Brazil) – Discus
A two-time Olympian and Pan Am medallist, Izabela is Brazil’s top discus thrower and proudly lesbian. She finished 9th in the final after qualifying with a season-best throw.
Gabriela DeBues-Stafford (Canada) – 1,500m & 5,000m
The Canadian Olympian and record-holder identifies as bisexual and queer. At the Tokyo Olympics, she dyed her hair rainbow in support of LGBTQ visibility.
“I wanted to have a visual marker of representation.”
Gabriela remains an outspoken advocate for inclusion in sport.
Nikki Hiltz (USA) – 1,500m
Nikki, who came out as transgender and non-binary in 2021, is a national mile champion and a fan favourite.
“Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m transgender. The word I use currently is non-binary.”
Having undergone top surgery, they’ve been vocal about the importance of gender-affirming care. Nikki has qualified for the 1,500m final, happening tonight.
Tiffani Marinho (Brazil) – 400m
A two-time Olympian and South American champion, Tiffani is engaged to footballer Sissi Ribeiro. She finished 8th in her heat.
María Pérez (Spain) – 20km & 35km Race Walk
The reigning double world champion and world record-holder at 35km, María is openly lesbian and has been a visible Pride participant.
“I have never hidden myself, nor will I hide.”
She’s already won gold in the 35km and will return for the 20km this Saturday.
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) – 100m
The reigning world 100m champion, Sha’Carri is known for her charisma and fierce talent. She’s also spoken openly about her bisexuality and past relationships with women. In Tokyo, she placed 5th in the final.
Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) – Triple Jump
Olympic and world champion, Yulimar is widely considered the greatest triple jumper of all time. She’s a proud lesbian and role model.
“Never deny yourself the right to love, no one can tell you who to love.”
Senni Salminen (Finland) – Triple Jump
A national record-holder, Senni has used her platform to advocate for human rights in sport.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to speak out about human rights in sport.”
She continues to challenge stereotypes and visibility assumptions faced by LGBTQ athletes.
A Record-Breaking Year for LGBTQ+ Visibility
This year’s World Athletics Championships marks a turning point for queer representation on the global stage — not just in numbers, but in the visibility and advocacy of each athlete.
Whether competing for medals or simply being seen, these 13 athletes are making history, one stride, jump, and throw at a time.
