Kenworthy says he has no inclination to meet VP Pence

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – Gus Kenworthy doesn’t mind answering questions about politics and sexuality.

Which is a good thing considering the majority of the ones asked during the U.S. freeskiing slopestyle team news conference Sunday were directed at him about those things.

One of the hottest topics at these Olympics is gay American figure skater Adam Rippon’s ongoing spat with Vice President Pence, who led the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremony. USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan reported that Pence was so concerned about criticism he received from Rippon regarding his history with the LGBT community that his staff asked the USOC to set up a meeting between the two. Rippon declined.

Kenworthy was asked Sunday what he would do if he were asked to have a meeting with Pence. The American freestyle skier came out in 2015 the year after winning a silver medal in the 2014 Sochi Games.

“I don’t think I have any inclination for a meeting,” Kenworthy said. “I think in terms of distractions, that would be a much bigger distraction for me, and I’m just focused on competing. I’m very excited to be here representing the U.S. and the LBGT community, and I’m very excited to have met Adam (Rippon). I met Adam at the opening ceremony, and I think he’s a tremendous guy.”

Rippon and Kenworthy are the first two openly gay U.S. Winter Olympians.

Not only did the two athletes meet, but they took a bunch of photos at the opening ceremony and posted them on social media. Kenworthy’s Instagram post made news when he took a shot at Pence in his caption.

“I feel incredibly honored to be here in Korea competing for the US and I’m so proud to be representing the LGBT community alongside this amazing guy,” Kenworthy wrote. “Eat your heart out, Pence.”

Kenworthy said it’s not difficult for him to separate his feelings on these topics and preparing for slopestyle competition. He loves talking about his sport and his sexuality.

“I’ve always been someone who’s had to compartmentalize my life because I was in the closet and I was in fear of outing myself,” Kenworthy said. “I always had so much going on in my mind and couldn’t share it with anyone, so I actually feel like now that I’m out, I have less to compartmentalize.

“And although I have made very clear who I am and I’ve taken a step in sort of a leadership role for the LGBT community — because there isn’t a lot of representation at the Games — it’s also just me. I’m being myself. So it’s almost easier than ever to be here and be competing. I feel free and liberated, and I’m excited for all the other out athletes here.”

Kenworthy was also asked a very random question about being the U.S. flag-bearer in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. A reporter wanted to know if he were chosen, would he parade shirtless like Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua has done twice?

“Absolutely, yeah,” Kenworthy said. “I don’t know how the Tonga guy did that because it was freezing. We had our incredible Ralph Lauren apparel and it was heated and even with that I think it was still pretty cold. So I have a lot of respect for that guy. I think there are more athletes suited to bear the flag and there are so many people who have insane legacies. I’m definitely proud of what I’ve done, but I doubt I’d be the flag-bearer if I made it to another Games.

“But I’ll take my shirt off if I get it.”

Gus Kenworthy