Gus Kenworthy Reveals Episode 3 of 'Heated Rivalry' Hit Close to Home, Jokes He's Available for Season 2
Gus Kenworthy is opening up about watching Heated Rivalry.
The 34-year-old Olympic skier came out publicly just over ten years ago recalled his viewing experience of the hit television show in a new interview.
While he admitted he didn’t quite understand why the show was so talked about at first, that all changed for him when he watched the third episode, “Hunter,” which switched focus to another couple in the Game Changers universe – Scott Hunter (Francois Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.).
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“At first, I didn’t understand the big deal. It was fun to watch, but it was sort of smut. I honestly thought, ‘All these thirsty gays! Y’all are just horny.’ Like, you could watch porn? People kept telling me, ‘Just wait — it tugs on the heartstrings.’ And then it did,” Gus told The New Yorker (IYKYK).
“The third episode changed things for me,” the athlete continued. “I actually wrote a message to the show’s creator [Jacob Tierney] because I was so moved, and didn’t expect to be. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a substantial way. The parallels are kind of insane. I also had a secret relationship with these clandestine meetings and hookups. And Miley Cyrus was my own Rose [Sophie Nélisse], this famous person that I was suddenly linked to, and as much as I kind of wanted it — because that’s the person you would want to be with if you’re straight, someone successful and beautiful and talented — it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy.”
“And then the Scott Hunter character — I really related to him. He wanted to be out, but really, just truly felt like he couldn’t be, because of his circumstances. That was me for so many years. I had the same yearning — to be in love, to be public, and to not have to hide,” Gus said.
The silver medalist is heading back to the Olympics soon, where he will compete for Team Great Britain, and he teased he’s free for season two of Heated Rivalry!
“You know, I played hockey through high school. I can skate, and I know how to handle a stick,” Gus joked.
Recently, a real-life hockey player came out as gay and cited the show as his inspiration to speak out. Star Hudson Williams even sent him a sweet video message!