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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, January 20-23, 2018 The Park Record B-7 Coming out changes the game for slopestyle skier Gus Kenworthy EDDIE PELLS Associated Press Gus Kenworthy’s life has changed, and unlike most athletes who make it big at the Olympics, it’s only partly because of the medal he won. When he left Sochi four years ago, Kenworthy was known as the silver medal-winning, dog-saving freestyle skier who was part of a historic U.S. medals sweep in the first Olympic ski slopestyle contest. His supposedly perfect stay in Russia was something much less, however, mainly because of the secret he kept. He was gay but would not tell the world for almost two more years. Now that he has gotten that out in the open, he feels a great sense of relief, but he also is aware that his newfound comfort comes at a price. Fair or not, his next trip to the Olympics, next month in Pyeongchang, carries higher stakes. “I’ve got more eyeballs on me,” he said. “My platform’s a lot bigger. I signed a bunch of Olympic sponsors and I have the LGBT audience watching me, and I want to do right by them.” Four years ago, there was a strange disconnect between Kenworthy’s made-for-People-maga- zine story – man wins medal, then goes around the mountains saving stray dogs – and his unwillingness to embrace it, especially once he returned home. What most people didn’t know was that it was Kenworthy’s boyfriend at the time who was doing the heavy lifting with the dogs – getting their vaccinations, handling the paperwork and helping bring them home – and the boyfriend, along with everything else about Kenworthy’s private life, was still a secret. Kenworthy said his dream would have been to ski down the mountain, win the medal and rush into his companion’s arms to celebrate. Didn’t happen. “I felt like I was already being so courageous with my body and my actions and the things I was doing in order to try to win and be the best,” Kenworthy explained in 2016, in discussing his coming out with The Associated Press. “Then, I was being such a coward in this other way, where I wouldn’t let anyone know. So they were battling each other. I’m excited where those two things can go hand in hand.” Kenworthy’s coming out has led to different expectations from different sections of the LGBT community. He’s well aware he cannot satisfy everybody. His opinion regarding President Donald Trump and a potential post-Olympic White House visit that he would skip got more buzz than those of most, in part because Kenworthy is now seen as someone unafraid to speak his mind, when many of his fellow Olympians might not. “I think me not going will make zero difference, but it makes me feel I’m doing a little something, and I’d be proud not to go,” he said. His willingness to stand up, and stand out, has earned him widespread approval in the endorsement world. Olympic athletes have always had short periods to cash in on their once-every-four-years window of fame. And more often than not, simply being a great swimmer or freestyle skier is not enough to carry the day. Given the messages of tolerance and equality the Olympics try to promote, the 26-year-old silver medalist quickly became a popular target for sponsors. Among those who signed him are Visa, Toyota, Chobani, Deloitte, Ralph Lauren and 24 Hour Fitness. There were other offers he turned down. “He really speaks to not just his own story, but to a much more positive, outgoing, authentic scope that resonates with a lot of people, and not just the LGBT community,” marketing expert Joe Favorito said. “In an era of less inclusion, he’s the inclusion star. If he does well at the Olympics, it ratchets things up for him, not just for coming out, but for being the kind of inclusive individual who other people can rally around.” Kenworthy is doubling down on his Olympic medal possibilities, seeking spots on both the slopestyle and halfpipe teams. Though his skiing got better in the immediate aftermath of his coming out – he won silver medals at the X Games in both freeski events – the Olympic qualifying period was a struggle until last weekend. He got his first victory in slopestyle at Snowmass, Colorado, but still needs good results this weekend in Mammoth Mountain, California, to guarantee himself a spot on either team. It’s all part of a new world for the silver medalist – more complicated in some ways, but far more enjoyable in others. “I’m definitely ‘The Gay Skier’ now, and that’s OK,” Kenworthy said. “I knew I was stepping into that role when I did it. In some ways, I don’t care that that’s the label that sticks. I took the step to come out publicly and I wear the badge proudly.” Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Squash Finn Marilou Beeker Squash is a big and beautiful buff tabby Domestic Shorthair. He’s 4 years old and loves to be around people! Squash is outgoing and social, and he will be a wonderful addition to any loving home that’s in need of an expert snuggler! Finn is a gentle and friendly Lynx Point Siamese mix. She’s about 9 years old. Finn is a mellow cat who enjoys relaxing and lounging in the sun. She may be considered a senior, but she is has lots of love and snuggles left to give! Marilou’s an affectionate middleaged Domestic Shorthair with a beautiful dilute tortie and white coat. She’s a sweet cat and is always up for a good ear scratching! She’d be happiest in a peaceful home with her favorite person. Beeker’s a 2-year-old Snowshoe mix with a beautiful coat and bright blue eyes. He’s shy but sweet, and gets along well with people and other cats. Beeker would be happiest in a quiet home with his people. Twinkie Bently Lido Chevron Twinkie’s a happy 1-year-old Lab mix. He’s a high-energy boy who knows some basic obedience commands and loves to play fetch! He does best with more submissive dogs, and he will chase cats if they run. Bently’s a friendly, happy puppy! This sweet Shepherd mix is a little goofball who loves attention, and knows how to get it! He’d love an active and playful family that can keep him busy and help him grow up to be a very good boy! Lido’s a sweet Chihuahua who’s about 2 years old. She’s a little nervous at first, but warms up quickly. She may do well with a dog friend with proper introduction. Lido likes being carried, going for walks, and riding in the car. Chevron’s a 2-year-old Kelpie mix. This timid, sweet gal needs a loving, patient family to help her gain some confidence. With TLC, her personality will blossom! She’d need a slow introduction to see how she’d interact with other pets. Wanted: Volunteers Real People Real Stories Real Life These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words After-School Literacy Program Spend an afternoon helping a student with reading, writing or a critical-thinking-based project in this fun, free, after-school, one-on-one tutoring center. Mega-Genius Supply Store and IQ HQ needs adult tutors to help children find their inner genius. The center is open at both locations, Monday through Thursday from 2:30-5:45 p.m., for students in grades two through 12. Please contact Jaimie for information: jatlas@parkcity.institute, 435-655-8252. Alf Engen Ski Museum Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation is seeking volunteers to help with museum operation/tours and archive collections. Responsibilities include overseeing interactive and virtual exhibits in the museum, guiding and educating visitors about the history of skiing and snow sports, and digitally archiving museum collections. Volunteers must enjoy interacting with the public and have a passion for ski and snow sports history. If interested, email connie@utaholympiclegacy.com or call 435-658-4240. Applegate Home Care & Hospice Applegate Home Care & Hospice welcomes volunteers to join its team of caring professionals dedicated to helping others. The hospice volunteer offers service, compassion and a listening ear to clients and their families. If you would like to volunteer or want to learn more about volunteering with Applegate, please contact the hospice volunteer coordinator at 800-871-0102 or visit applegatehomecare.com. Arts-Kids Arts-Kids is in need of volunteers. Sign up now to participate in one of Arts-Kids eight-week after-school groups in Summit and Wasatch counties. After-school volunteer time commitment is one day per week for three hours. The nonprofit also has office volunteer opportunities. Beehive Homes of Park City Beehive Homes of Park City, a quality assisted-living facility that focuses on nurturing residents and fostering independence, is looking for caring and reliable volunteers to provide meaningful activities in an individual or group setting. These activities could include music, art, pet therapy, reading, current events, games and gardening. Please contact Colleen at 435-649-0977. Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah is seeking mentor volunteers for youth in Park City. Mentors meet two to four times per month with their “littles” to do activities and develop a lasting relationship. This time can make a big difference in the life of a child. For information, please contact Emily Medlock at 435-649-9366 or emily.medlock@bbbsu.org. Canines with a Cause Canines with a Cause is looking for volunteers interested in learning dog training and assessment skills. Volunteers will foster and train prospective service and companion dogs to be placed with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. For information, please contact Cathy King at 435-640-9095. The Christian Center of Park City The Christian Center needs volunteers with a passion for helping the community. Open six days a week, the center needs volunteers (ages 16 and older) to help in the food pantry, boutique, and thrift store, and with events throughout the year. Fill out an online application at www.ccofpc.org or contact our volunteer coordinator at 435-649-2260, ext. 15. Girl Scouts As a Girl Scout troop volunteer you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day special. At every turn you’ll be their cheerleader, guide, and mentor, helping them develop skills that will last long after meetings are over. For information visit http://www.gsutah.org/ en/volunteer-role-model.html or call Heather Smith at 801-716-5109. Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind needs puppy raisers. Volunteers provide nurturing, well-rounded environments for puppies 2-15 months. The organization supports sitters with weekly meetings and training. Equipment and veterinary care is provided. Meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Park City/Heber areas. Contact Stefanie at 435-6570760, or visit Facebook/SummitGuideDogs or www.guidedogs.com. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CONTACT OUR CIRCULATION OFFICE: 435.649.9014 circulation@ParkRecord.com |