Freestyle skier and actor Gus Kenworthy has shared a powerful personal reaction to the hit sports drama Heated Rivalry, stating the show’s portrayal of a closeted athlete’s life deeply mirrored his own experiences. In a candid interview, Kenworthy described the show as the first time he has seen himself reflected so substantially on screen. The Olympic medalist is currently preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he will compete for Team Great Britain.
The Episode That Changed Everything
Kenworthy admitted his first impression of the series was lighthearted. He initially saw the show, which follows the secret relationship between two professional hockey players, as simply fun entertainment.
“At first, I didn’t understand the big deal. It was fun to watch, but it was sort of smut. I honestly thought, ‘All these thirsty gays! Y’all are just horny.’ Like, you could watch porn?” said Kenworthy.
His perspective shifted completely after watching the third episode, titled Hunter. This standalone episode focuses on closeted NHL player Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, and his secret romance with a barista named Kip, portrayed by Robbie G.K. The story of hidden meetings and the internal conflict of wanting to live openly while fearing professional repercussions hit home for Kenworthy. The emotional impact was so strong that he felt compelled to reach out to the show’s creator, Jacob Tierney.
Parallels Between a Skier and a Fictional Hockey Player
Kenworthy explained the specific scenes and themes that resonated with his personal journey. He saw direct correlations between his life as a public athlete before coming out in 2015 and the fictional world of the show.
A major parallel was the experience of being linked to a famous woman for public perception. In Heated Rivalry, main character Shane Hollander has a brief, public relationship with a movie star named Rose, played by Sophie Nélisse. For Kenworthy, pop star Miley Cyrus was his “Rose.” After winning silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Kenworthy was asked in a Valentine’s Day interview about his celebrity crush. He panicked and said Miley Cyrus, a comment that quickly spread online and led to friendly interactions with the singer.
“And Miley Cyrus was my own Rose… as much as I kind of wanted it — because that’s the person you would want to be with if you’re straight… it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy,” Kenworthy shared.
More profoundly, he connected with Scott Hunter’s deep yearning to be out and open. Kenworthy described living with the same constant desire to be in love publicly and to stop hiding, a feeling he carried for years before his public coming out.
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A Show’s Impact Beyond Entertainment
Heated Rivalry has become a significant cultural topic since its premiere in late November 2025. The show has been praised for its LGBTQ+ representation in the often hyper-masculine world of professional sports. Kenworthy is not alone in his strong reaction. Cast members and the author of the original books have received messages from closeted professional athletes in hockey, football, and basketball who say the show inspired them.
The show’s stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have seen their profiles rise dramatically. They were recently selected as official torchbearers, kicking off the Winter Olympic torch relay in Italy on January 25. The series has been renewed for a second season, and Kenworthy jokingly pitched himself for a role, noting his high school hockey experience.
Kenworthy’s Road to the 2026 Milan Olympics
This reflection comes as Kenworthy prepares for his fourth Olympic Games. After initially retiring following the 2022 Beijing Olympics, he announced a comeback in May. He will compete for Great Britain, the country of his birth, in the half-pipe event. His training has involved a back-to-basics approach with a new coach, focusing on safety and rebuilding his technique from the ground up.
The skier has self-funded much of this comeback, as team budgets were already set. He has covered costs for his coach, training camps, travel, and equipment himself. Kenworthy will compete in the X Games before heading to Milan for the Olympics, which begin on February 6, 2026.
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