Hey everyone,
From the 12th to 15th April 2021, I will be attending a selection of virtual sessions at the PinkNews Futures Event, hosted by...PinkNews! the first session that I attended was called 'Keynote address and careers in a post-COVID world' moderated by PinkNews' Ana Nanu and speaker Michael Gunning, a professional worldclass swimmer who has represented the United Kingdom and also Jamaica. To begin the keynote, Michael explained that today is the 'first day of a little bit of normality' and explained that he had been swimming all his life, but was never happy within himself and there was something in his personality that he was always surpressing.
Michael explained that due to the Tokio Olympics being cancelled last year, he had been training on his own this year, and after previously representing the UK, he would now be representing Jamaica. He went on to explain that a lot of people have been speaking about their mental health and what they're going through, including those in the LGBQT+ community, especially with the things people are seeing online and the subject of race being discussed, making them feel isolated. 'It's so important that you talk to people and don't bottle things up' and he explained that his goal for this year is to be able to attend the Olympics games this summer, but questions whether something will pop up in your way and whether or not you're going to be in the fittest shape of your life. He went on to explain that being in sport is different to being in a normal workplace and that he was explaining how people need to be able to think what they can do for themself, with personal examples of going for walks during lockdown and talking to others in the LGBTQ+ community, learning about new programmes and documentaries.
He went on to explain that looking into the future is quite worrying, especially with all the restrictions, and the opportunities are not as open as they used to be, which is why PinkNews Futures is so important, as people are able to learn from eachother. 'As a sportsperson I get knocked down so many times, it's about getting back up' adding that it's about being motivated, happy and keeping that smile on your face! Michael said that he was open and honest with a few of his friends and confided in Olympic diver Tom Daley, adding that he 'never tried to be anyone I'm not, it was just something I didn't speak about'. Michael stated that people should believe in their dreams and also believe in where you're going, adding 'if you reach for the moon, you will still end among the stars...and it all comes with believing in yourself'. Ana added that it's important to look to tomorrow but take it one day at a time, and asked whether Michael had any advice for someone who was looking to take on that type of approach a little bit more. Michael explained that it was all about overcoming his nerves and added that you're not always going to achieve those goals, but it's important to focus on breathing techniques, taking one day at a time and doing what's in your control. He added that sometimes people could have a little goal sheet with what they wanted to achieve each day, or notes about the current journey you're on. Michael also said that it's also important about believing in yourself and that he has a log book/diary, writing down all the training sessions or positive things he has been a part of, as it's 'something to come back to everyday or something to look back on'.
One of the audience questions asked about the Olympics and Michael said that he loves going to watch the different sports and also supporting teammates. He added that seeing everyone's successes come together in one of the biggest competitions is something that he enjoys, and just being in that environment, at home or seeing people's faces when athletes do well in their chosen sport. Michael was then asked about being a voice for the LGBTQ+ community and how it feels being a sportsperson, whether it's easy to be authentic. Michael explained that he came out on a television show and didn't think he would be able to inspire people. He went on to explain that being in the LGBTQ+ community, helped him see himself as the role model he is now, adding 'as much as I've got that smile on my face, I'm open about when I'm feeling down, because there's no 2 days that are the time', and that people can relate to that.
Another audience question asked whether the idea of binaries are being brokwn down in professional sport and whether there is equality, especially in the transgender community. Michael explained that major decisions are being made at the top of the sport and they are definitely moving in the right direction, and he added that 'the more I am communicating with the community, I'm speaking to Jamaicans and people from the Caribbean Island, and I'd love that for the trans community'. He confidently stated that 'your presence is definitely there, we gotta keep doing what we do, using our voice and letting people know how important it is for us...inclusion for all!'. Michael also stated that when he was growing up, there were no gay swimmers, black or mixed raced people that were out, and nobody that he could see in himself, but more people are being authentic and speaking about. He added that he now has a duty to inspire those who want to get into swimming, sport or presenting, and it's important to get that representation early, and through every part of your journey! Michael also explained that he often has down days due to one of 2 reasons; overthinking, or by being a people's person and not putting himself first. He said that he was always calling friends or family seeing if they were alright, but questioned 'what am I doing for myself?'. Michael explained that he often reads books, goes on walks or listens to music, as when you're not looking after yourself, it all builds up and you can become really low, and it's hard to get back to that good feeling again. He added that a baking session or reading a book or 'something simple like that can really help', adding that it's so easy for someone to say 'how are you?' and for your reply to be 'yeah I'm fine' even if you aren't.
Another question that Michael was asked was how it felt being 'out' in sport and how his professional and personal life could merge together, with the expectation to be involved with activism. He explained that he initially found it tough, especially reading the headlines of his medal wins, being labelled as 'gay swimmer' or 'black swimmer' and he just wanted to be like everyone else. He added that the labels had to be there to show how far we are coming, and to be the first black swimmer on the world stage is a good thing and he kind of owns it now. He stated 'I have a duty to make sure people can resonate with my story, and not putting my walls up and not speaking'. Michael explained that he's fully out there and is now trying to raise the awareness, and that another important thing is allies, especially speaking to athletes around the world, who are also people, explaining that they are doing what they can do to help. Michael also said that people who know nothing about the LGBTQ community and are now speaking up about it, with people wearing pride badges and supporting the community, making you feel comfortable as an employee as you're more accepted in that place, with those little things helping so much.
The final part of the Q&A was a question which asked Michael about giving a piece of advice to his younger self. He said 'don't try to be someone you're not' adding that when he was at school, he loved acting and got the highest grades, but felt himself going into sport, trying to be the athlete that he wasn't and that society had put down the idea of becoming an athlete. He explained that he's now happy, bubbly and can smile before a race and still do a good race. Michael also said that accepting who you are is important, and he revealed that the biggest thing people would take away from him, is his smile...so don't hide it, try and own it!'. Ana added that people often spend so much time and energy trying to work on a second persona, that it's time they could have invested into being creative, networking or using it in the workplace!
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