Love on the Mat: Two Penn Wrestlers Come Out as a Couple at 2025 U.S. Wrestling Open
In a groundbreaking and heartfelt moment at the 2025 U.S. Wrestling Open, two collegiate athletes from the University of Pennsylvania made headlines not just for their skill on the mat but for their courage off of it. The pair, both standout wrestlers on Penn’s varsity team, publicly came out as a couple during the national competition, marking a historic step for representation in the world of amateur wrestling.
The moment came after one of their matches, when the two athletes embraced and shared a kiss in front of a cheering crowd and supportive teammates. Their story quickly went viral, sparking conversations about inclusivity, acceptance, and love in competitive sports—particularly in wrestling, a sport traditionally viewed through a hypermasculine lens.
In post-match interviews, the athletes spoke candidly about their decision to go public with their relationship. “We’ve been together for over a year,” one of them shared. “And while our teammates and coaches have always supported us, we felt it was time to be visible beyond the locker room. Wrestling is a huge part of our lives, and so is our relationship. We didn’t want to hide either anymore.”
Their courage resonated across social media, with fellow athletes, fans, and advocacy organizations praising them for their honesty and bravery. LGBTQ+ sports advocacy groups hailed the moment as a landmark in college athletics, comparing it to other historic coming-outs in professional and collegiate sports. One representative from Athlete Ally called it “a powerful reminder that love and authenticity have a place in every sport, including wrestling.”
The University of Pennsylvania issued a statement of support, noting the institution’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity. “We’re proud of our student-athletes for leading with courage and integrity,” the statement read. “Their openness helps pave the way for others and strengthens our community.”
The significance of their coming out is not lost on the wrestling world, which has seen only a handful of openly LGBTQ+ athletes at the collegiate and national levels. Their visibility challenges outdated norms and demonstrates that identity and performance are not mutually exclusive. Both athletes are ranked nationally and are considered Olympic hopefuls for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Beyond the mat, their story is a personal testament to love, resilience, and the strength that comes from being true to oneself. For many young LGBTQ+ athletes, their example offers hope and representation—proof that they, too, can pursue their sport and live openly without fear.
As the 2025 U.S. Wrestling Open concluded, it wasn’t just their athletic performance that people remembered. It was their authenticity, their pride, and their willingness to stand hand in hand in a space where few have dared before. Their legacy will not only live on in scorecards but in the hearts of those they’ve inspired to live their truth.
