“Love on the Mat: Two Missouri Wrestlers Come Out as a Couple at 2025 U.S. Wrestling Open”
Article:
In an emotional and historic moment at the 2025 U.S. Wrestling Open in Las Vegas, two standout wrestlers from Missouri made headlines—not just for their skill on the mat, but for the courage in their hearts. During a post-match interview, state champions and training partners, Jace Collins and Malik Rivera, publicly came out as gay and revealed their relationship, stating simply: “We love each other.”
The announcement, which came after a grueling semifinal bout that saw both athletes advance to their respective finals, was met with a mix of stunned silence and growing applause from those present. Holding hands as they spoke, the pair addressed reporters and fans with poise and honesty, breaking new ground in a sport long dominated by traditional masculinity and often reluctant to address LGBTQ+ visibility.
“This sport has given us so much—discipline, drive, and brotherhood,” said Rivera, 23, a Greco-Roman national title contender. “But it was time we gave something back: the truth.”
Collins, 22, added, “We’ve been there for each other through every weigh-in, every injury, every win and loss. Wrestling is about strength, and this is the strongest thing we’ve ever done.”
The reaction online was swift and overwhelmingly positive. Major wrestling figures, Olympians, and LGBTQ+ advocates voiced support on social media, calling the announcement “historic,” “inspirational,” and “a proud moment for sports.”
While progress has been made in many professional sports regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion, wrestling has lagged behind—largely due to its hyper-masculine image and deep-rooted traditions. Collins and Rivera’s revelation challenges those norms, offering a new narrative that intertwines toughness with vulnerability and love.
Officials from USA Wrestling issued a statement shortly after the interview: “We support all athletes who live their truth. Wrestling is a sport for everyone.”
The couple emphasized that their decision was not made lightly. “We thought about waiting until after the tournament,” said Rivera, “but when you’re fighting so hard to win on the mat, you realize you shouldn’t have to keep losing off it.”
As they prepare for their respective finals later this week, Collins and Rivera have already secured something more lasting than a medal—a place in wrestling history, and a beacon of hope for countless young athletes still wrestling with their own identities.
