In a remarkable career twist that reads like a Hollywood screenplay, Team GB freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has officially come out of retirement to secure his place at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The 34-year-old athlete, who has successfully balanced elite skiing with a notable acting career, will be competing in his fourth Olympic Games following a nearly four-year hiatus from the sport.
From Silver Screen to Snow Slopes
Kenworthy, originally from Chelmsford but raised in the United States from age two, initially retired from competitive skiing after the 2022 Winter Games. During his break from the slopes, he focused on his acting career, most notably appearing in nine episodes of the popular anthology series American Horror Story in 2019, where he played the character Chet Clancy. He has also made guest appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race, building a substantial following across social media platforms.
A Dramatic Competitive Comeback
The skier's return to competition in December last year proved decisive. Across World Cup events in China, the United States, and Canada, Kenworthy delivered performances that caught the attention of Team GB's snowsport head coach Pat Sharples. Finishing 34th, 4th, 12th, and 8th in these competitions demonstrated enough competitive edge to earn selection for the British Olympic team.
Sharples personally delivered the news to Kenworthy via a congratulatory phone call that was later shared on social media. "Fair play man. You pulled it off," Sharples told the skier. "I said the only person I knew who could do it in that time limit would have been you – and you did it. Not even half-heartedly. You did it. You smashed it."
Olympic History and Personal Milestones
Kenworthy's Olympic journey began with a silver medal for the United States at the 2014 Sochi Games. He made the switch to represent Team GB in 2019, citing his British birthplace as his motivation. The following year, he claimed victory in the freestyle halfpipe event at the Ski World Cup in Calgary, establishing himself as a serious contender for British skiing success.
The athlete has been openly gay since 2015, when he came out during an interview with ESPN. He gained particular attention during the 2018 PyeongChang Games when he shared a kiss with his then-boyfriend Matthew Wilkas before a qualifying run on live television. Kenworthy has spoken about wanting to be recognized for his athletic achievements rather than just his personal milestones, stating previously: "I wanted to come out as the best freeskier in the world."
Balancing Dual Careers
What makes Kenworthy's story particularly compelling is his ability to maintain parallel careers at the highest level. While many athletes struggle with transition after retirement, Kenworthy successfully built a second career in entertainment during his break from skiing. His Instagram following of 1.2 million demonstrates the crossover appeal he has developed between sporting and entertainment audiences.
Now, with the Winter Olympics commencing on Wednesday and freestyle skiing events beginning on February 7, Kenworthy has another opportunity to prove himself on the world stage. His return represents not just a personal athletic achievement but also a testament to the possibility of pursuing multiple passions simultaneously at elite levels.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will run from February 6-22, with extensive coverage available to British viewers through various broadcasting platforms. Kenworthy's participation adds a particularly compelling narrative to Team GB's campaign, blending sporting excellence with personal resilience and career versatility.
