Gus Kenworthy Secures Medal in Snow League Debut, Eyes 2026 Olympics Comeback

Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, known for his 2014 Sochi Olympic silver medal in slopestyle, claimed a medal at the Snow League competition on December 6, 2025, in a notable comeback performance. This event served as a key milestone in his preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, where he plans to compete for Team GB in halfpipe.

Kenworthy, a British-American athlete born in England and raised in Telluride, Colorado, first gained global attention with his silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, contributing to a U.S. podium sweep in slopestyle. He competed for Team USA again in Pyeongchang 2018, finishing 12th in slopestyle, and switched to Team GB for Beijing 2022, placing 8th in halfpipe despite health challenges including concussions and COVID-19. Post-Beijing, Kenworthy stepped away from skiing for three-and-a-half years to pursue acting, modeling, and philanthropy, but recently recommitted to the sport full-time.

In an exclusive ESPN interview, Kenworthy explained his decision to return: "After taking a step away, I realized I miss skiing and I really want to compete again." He noted concerns over injuries but felt reinvigorated after recent training sessions, landing advanced tricks like double corks in halfpipe on his first day back. The Snow League medal validates this progress, positioning him for upcoming World Cup events in China and Colorado, where top-30% finishes in two of four are required for Olympic qualification.

Kenworthy came out as gay in 2015, becoming one of the first openly gay men in action sports and one of the first two openly gay Winter Olympians for Team USA in 2018. His visibility has advanced LGBTQ+ inclusion in freestyle skiing, a sport historically dominated by straight male athletes. He partners with the Trevor Project for suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth and founded the Worthy Foundation in 2022 to support the community. Kenworthy has cited diver Tom Daley, another openly gay Olympian, as an inspiration, noting parallels in their journeys.

The Snow League success amplifies Kenworthy's platform amid growing LGBTQ+ participation in winter sports. Events like Telluride Gay Ski Week 2026, where he will host, foster queer community through skiing, parties, and celebrations. Kenworthy's story resonates with transgender and non-binary athletes seeking visibility, as his advocacy emphasizes mental health and acceptance across all LGBTQ+ identities.

At 33, Kenworthy draws motivation from late-career comebacks like Lindsey Vonn's World Cup podiums. His training schedule includes camps at Mount Hood, New Zealand, and Switzerland, with a goal to medal in Italy. "I want to medal. That's my dream," he stated.

This medal not only reignites his competitive fire but also inspires LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide, demonstrating that identity and excellence coexist in elite sports. Kenworthy's return underscores the evolving landscape of freestyle skiing, blending athletic prowess with social impact.