Gay Olympian says Miley Cyrus was his own 'Heated Rivalry'-style 'Rose'

Gus Kenworthy reflects on his real-life secret relationship before coming out publicly.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, who won silver in 2014 and is competing again in Milan this year, says his own experience of a secret relationship and being linked to a famous celebrity, singer Miley Cyrus, before coming out as gay in 2015 mirrors the plot of the popular romance novel and TV series 'Heated Rivalry'.

Why it matters

Kenworthy's story highlights the challenges LGBTQ+ athletes have faced in navigating their identities and relationships, especially in the public eye, before the recent progress in LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in sports.

The details

Prior to coming out in 2015, Kenworthy says he 'kind of panicked' when asked about his celebrity crush and named Miley Cyrus, leading to some 'flirty texting' and Cyrus following him on social media. However, Kenworthy says he 'didn't want to keep waking up and lying' about his true identity and sexuality. At the next Winter Olympics, Kenworthy was seen kissing his boyfriend on camera.

  • Kenworthy won silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
  • Kenworthy came out as gay in 2015.
  • Kenworthy is competing again at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The players

Gus Kenworthy

An Olympic skier who won silver in 2014 and is competing again in 2026, Kenworthy came out as gay in 2015 after previously being linked to singer Miley Cyrus.

Miley Cyrus

A famous singer who Kenworthy named as his celebrity crush prior to coming out, leading to some 'flirty texting' between the two.

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What they’re saying

“Miley tweeted at me and followed me. There was some flirty texting, and I remember thinking, What am I doing? I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to keep waking up and lying.”

— Gus Kenworthy, Olympic Skier

“Never have I ever been prouder to call @guskenworthy my friend! You have won so much more than any medal …. You have won FREEDOM! I looooove looooove looooove you!”

— Miley Cyrus

What’s next

Kenworthy is competing again at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he hopes to build on his previous Olympic success.

The takeaway

Kenworthy's story illustrates the progress made in LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in sports, as well as the continued challenges athletes can face in navigating their identities and relationships, especially in the public eye.