Queer Speedskater Conor McDermott-Mostowy Aims for 2026 Olympics

Local LGBTQ+ nonprofit Out Athlete Fund is supporting the rising Team USA star on his journey to the Winter Games.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Conor McDermott-Mostowy, a speedskater and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, is one of six athletes being supported by the Out Athlete Fund as he pursues his dream of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The 24-year-old has already made a name for himself on the international stage, winning medals at the World Cup and US Championships, and is using his platform to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ visibility and equity in sports.

Why it matters

McDermott-Mostowy's story highlights the challenges queer athletes still face in elite sports, from financial barriers to discrimination. By supporting him and other LGBTQ+ athletes, Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA are championing queer resilience and working to make the Olympic movement more inclusive.

The details

McDermott-Mostowy will be making a special appearance at the Nike Training Studio in West Hollywood on November 1, 2025, where he will discuss his journey and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in sports. The event is being presented by Out Athlete Fund/Pride House LA as part of their efforts to raise funds to support McDermott-Mostowy and other queer athletes on their path to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

  • McDermott-Mostowy won silver and bronze medals at the US Championships in speedskating in 2026.
  • The Nike Training Studio event in West Hollywood is scheduled for November 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The players

Conor McDermott-Mostowy

A 24-year-old speedskater and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community who is representing Team USA and aiming to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Out Athlete Fund

A local LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization that is supporting McDermott-Mostowy and five other queer athletes on their journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Pride House LA

An organization that is partnering with Out Athlete Fund to host events and raise funds to support LGBTQ+ athletes like McDermott-Mostowy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Winning gold with my team last year was definitely a major goal achieved. That said, the event we won isn't yet an Olympic event. The races that have had the most profound impact on me actually happened two years ago.”

— Conor McDermott-Mostowy, Speedskater (Los Angeles Blade)

“Being queer in Olympic sport can be very isolating, both inside and outside the sport. I barely have time to socialize outside of skating, and relocating to Salt Lake City doesn't exactly help when it comes to queer community. So having that kind of solidarity and support from the wider LGBTQ+ community really means a lot.”

— Conor McDermott-Mostowy, Speedskater (Los Angeles Blade)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

McDermott-Mostowy's story highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and support in elite sports, as well as the ongoing challenges queer athletes face in pursuing their Olympic dreams. By championing his journey, Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA are working to make the Olympic movement more inclusive and accessible for all.