Italian swimmer Rachele Bruni dedicated her silver 10km medal to several people, including her 'beloved.'
It took Italy's Rachele Bruni almost two hours to complete the women's 10km swimming marathon and capture a silver medal, but it didn't take nearly as long for her to take the opportunity to come out publicly.
The distance swimmer on Monday dedicated her Olympic medal to her girlfriend, Diletta Faina, who accompanied Bruni to Rio for the competition.
"I dedicate this victory to my family, my coach and my beloved, who have followed and supported me," Bruni said.
When the Italian media picked up on the reference to Faina, Bruni answered more questions about being LGBTI at the Italian House in Rio.
"I've always lived naturally, without problems," Bruni added. "I've never done a big coming out. Undoubtedly there are people who have too many prejudices, but I live peacefully. I do not think about the prejudices, I live for myself, for my passion for swimming and for the people who love me."
Bruni is an eight-time European champion, but this is her first Olympic medal.
She is the only out LGBTI Olympian we know of on Team Italy.
The distance swimmer on Monday dedicated her Olympic medal to her girlfriend, Diletta Faina, who accompanied Bruni to Rio for the competition.
"I dedicate this victory to my family, my coach and my beloved, who have followed and supported me," Bruni said.
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| Swimmer dedicates Olympic medal to her girlfriend, coming out in the process |
"I've always lived naturally, without problems," Bruni added. "I've never done a big coming out. Undoubtedly there are people who have too many prejudices, but I live peacefully. I do not think about the prejudices, I live for myself, for my passion for swimming and for the people who love me."
Bruni is an eight-time European champion, but this is her first Olympic medal.
She is the only out LGBTI Olympian we know of on Team Italy.
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