Matthew Mitcham Talks To The Advocate
Forget Michael Phelps' bong bruhaha and Ian Thorpe's latest is-he-or-isn't he controversy. There's really only one Speedo-clad Olympian worth his weight in gold, and that's Australian Matthew Mitcham - this month's Advocate cover boy.
As the world's only out gold medalist, Mitcham found himself in the middle of controversy when NBC failed to mention his sexuality or show his partner's presence in the stands at the Beijing games following Mitcham's storybook comeback to claim Diving Gold.
In a revealing interview with The Advocate, Mitcham shares his thoughts on the controversy, his feelings about being a "gay role model' and why, or why not, the endorsements haven't come pouring in for the man recently voted "Sportsman of the Year" by Australian GQ.
It's Mitcham's endearing and humble spirit, though, that makes his story so compelling. Oh, and the incredibly hot pictures, along with behind-the-scenes video clips from his Advocate photo shoot don't hurt either. Care to comment?
(Photos: Adam Pretty)
Posted by Clarke Hamlin on February 5, 2009 in Athletes
, Diving
| Back to gay.com
I really find it humourous that gay.com is taking a stance on the side of Matthew Mitcham and bringing attention to his lack of endorsements after gay.com itself had SO MANY features on Michael Phelps and put him into their top nominated athletes of the year in previous features instead of Mitcham...
Maybe gay.com shouldn't complain about issues like this when they as well stood behind and publicized Phelps in such a light as well...
And besides, who really cares if Mitcham is gay or looks hot in a speedo or whatever - that has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with his athletic ability, nor does the fact that his boyfriend/partner was in the stands at the olympics.
Do you 'possibly' think that the lack of endorsements comes from his over publicizing these 'controversies' and corporate sponsrs don't to align themselves with 'athlets' who draw so much attention to parts of their lives that are not even related to his achievements as an athlete - I know I'd think twice if he was going to be a spokesman and representative of my brand...
Posted by: SERIAL SEAN | February 03, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Where as I agree with what was said above and the hypocrisy of the gay community to not endorse their own, but glamorize others, I must also say that I disagree with the ultimate conclusion. Would you, author of the above comment, say the same thing if he was black? Sure I think he should draw attention to it. Gay teens need people like him to look up to. I am glad that he makes a big deal of it, and applaud him for everything that he does. I just think that endorsements go to money makers and he's not a money maker by winning just one olympic gold.
Posted by: Ryan | February 03, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Hey, Pinheads... the window that opens to The Advocate from your link here: make it scrollable.
Duhrrr...
Posted by: tj | February 03, 2009 at 05:40 PM
That is, the link associated with the 2nd photo.
Posted by: tj | February 03, 2009 at 05:42 PM
I noticed the problem tj has mentioned, about the 2nd photo link being not scrollable. Here is the solution: When the window is opened, go to the menu "View" and click on "Show Toolbar". This would make the URL (address) visible. Copy that into a new browser window and you will be able to scroll it.
The steps above are according to Safari on a Mac, but I guess there would be similar steps in other browsers which one can figure out easily.
Posted by: R | February 03, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I have to respond to all the girls in here that constantly bitch and complain about gay.coms articles. If you guys are sooo fucking great why dont you start your own site? Lets see you queens DO something about the pisspoor whatever about this site that your ALWAYS bitching about. god dam grow the fuck up and be a man for a change. If you dont like the articles if you dont like the authors comments then dont fucking come in here.
Posted by: puppytop | February 03, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Folks -- Gay.com has obviously reproduced this interview from Advocate. They are not taking a stand here, they are pointing to a magazine story. Was that really that hard to notice or is everyone drunk already tonight?
Posted by: cleojoney | February 03, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Matt seems like a great guy. I am so glad he came out of the closet. As a gay father of a 17 year old son -- who also happens to be a great athlete-- it's been a joy for me to watch my son show so much admiration for an openly gay athlete.
Kudos -- great interview. I just wish more athletes would show the same bravery and come out. The US needs to see more gay athletes.
I'm also glad that Mr. Mitcham is in a stable, healthy relationship. Such a joy.
Dave
Posted by: DavidDough | February 03, 2009 at 06:25 PM
hmmm... how do you sponsor diving? Appart from speedo companies?
Posted by: servant_36 | February 03, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Dave, thank you for actually saying something that is really relavent and putting a story behind what this article is about. My guess is, is that your straight and it took a straight man to come to a gay site to see what this article really concerned. As a gay I am ashamed of most of the gays that have responded to this article.
Posted by: puppytop | February 03, 2009 at 06:40 PM
This poor guy. What does this shit prove? Oh yeah, that's right. Mainstream sports harbor lots of homophobia. One shouldn't have to play in the GayGames just because they are gay. I see gay athletes as beacons, and as lights to shine the way fot the rest of the aspiring gay athletes, but lots of others want to drown those lights out. What the hell?
Posted by: Mike | February 03, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Hey serial sean, do you always open your damn mouth and say the most idiotic things or do you actually stop and think about them first before you look like a fucking twat?
As a long time reader of this site I feel compelled to point out that not only did gay.com include him as one of the 5 top athletes of the year, he actually WON it, you fucking moron!
I'll post the link if i can find it.
Posted by: Adam | February 03, 2009 at 06:53 PM
I hear what everyone is saying and everyone has a point. Bottom line is he does get somewhat shafted for being gay. It's just a fact of life right now. Your average news caster is not going to point out his boyfriend in the stands and a lot of companies are not going to reach out to him for endorsements. They don't want the lifestyle that comes with him. Just the way it is for many. I'm sure he'll do okay though.
Posted by: Cee | February 03, 2009 at 07:05 PM
Here is the link showing Mitcham won the sportsman of the year on here.
http://hottopics.gay.com/2009/01/the-best-of-200.html
Posted by: Adam | February 03, 2009 at 07:13 PM
He is very cute, has a great body, and athletic... he is bound to get picked up by some sponsors.. if not, hell go model!!! I agree with the role model thing too... we desperately need role models for ALL gay people not just young people. Go Matthew!
Posted by: mario | February 03, 2009 at 07:56 PM
BLAH BLAH BLAH -- WHO CARES -- THE OLYMPIC GAMES I SNOT ABOUT BEING STRAIGHT OR GAY AND A PERSONS SEXUALITY IS NOT NEWSWORTHY THERE AT ALL -- HE HAS NOT GOT ANY MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS BECAUSE HIS IMAGE WOULD NOT BE PROFITABLE FOR ANY COMPANY -- FAGS ARE ONLY A SMALL MINORITY OF THE WORLD AND ITS A STRAIGHT WORLD OUT THERE SO GET USED TO IT -- ITS LIKE PAYING SOMEONE TO NATIONALLY ENDOSE SOMEONE WHHO LOVES TO CHEW PENCIL ERASERS -- WHO CARES -- GO ALL YOU WHINNING SILLY NANSIE PANSIES SHIT UP AND FESS UP TO THE FACT THAT YOU ARE ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE PEOPLE OUT THERE == THATS WHY HE DID NOT GET ANY ENDORSEMENTS -- NOT BECAUSE HE IS GAY BUT ( OR IS THAT BUTT -- HA HA ) BUT ITS BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGHT FAGS OUT THERE.
Posted by: tim | February 03, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Cee says, "that's just the way it is" and Serial sean says, "it's no big deal" Wow! NO it doesn't have to be like this, YES it is a big deal! I'm sure if these two had been writing 30 years ago they would have said, "why does there have to be a gay news magazine (ie "The Advocate) or 20 years ago they would have said, "Why does there have to be a gay chat site (ie Gay.com).
Man, sometimes we are our worst enemy.
Servant 36 asks how do you sponsor diving? Well check out the sports figures who endorse watches, cars, food etc etc, there's a million ways to support athletes like Matt.
Posted by: greg Johnson | February 03, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Most of Gay.com's members are americans and will always back american athletes over Australian... It's a shame that he didn't get many endorsements, but it's not the US's fault. It's Australias.
Posted by: taujack | February 03, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Why would they mention he's gay? Did they mention what he ate for breakfast? WHO CARES! His sponsorship had nothing to do with his sexuality. Seriously, you guys need to stop writing articles like this, it's disgusting and ultra dramatic.
Posted by: disgusted | February 03, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I like the second picture too.
But Friends, ... the Olympics are not about Gay Activism or any of the worlds poitical points of views.
NBC made the right decision in not pointing out this man's sexual preference, that wouldn't be appropriate.
This guy is also not from the United States so why would he get a huge endorsement that we would hear about anyways.
Phelps who won the most medals then anyone ever as one Olympian, ... is a huge fucking big deal whether or not he is holding a bong.
lol
Posted by: splerrk | February 04, 2009 at 02:26 AM
And Greg Luganis had & possibly still has the better bod, ...HIV or not.
Posted by: splerrk | February 04, 2009 at 02:29 AM
And Mark Spitz was much finer the Phelps too in my opinion.
Posted by: splerrk | February 04, 2009 at 02:31 AM
Awesome interview of a great athlete.
As regards sponsorship deals: (a) he's an Aussie and, unless he's going to follow the footsteps of people like Hugh Jackman and go into movies or some other venue that makes his presence broader, his appeal is likely to remain niche to a sport, country and/or gay folk; (b) other Olympians earned one or more gold medals and they are not rolling in sponsorship deals.
This is not to deny that he is a great athlete and an awesome human being. But let's put stuff like this in perspective. He is one of how many gold medal winners from the past Olympics?
Posted by: oldkingtroll | February 04, 2009 at 03:10 AM
ok so, good for him, he won a medal. Did anyone watch the Aussie coverage of the games? Perhaps they showed his spouse there? NBC being an American network tends to focus more on the Americans. Sponsorships are always kinda iffy. What exactly would he be promoting? The companies that are going to use an Olympian are all going to go with who people are going to with someone memorable, and has broad appeal. Why settle for someone who won one gold medal when you can have someone who won many? Famous Americans are often used to endorse products throughout the world, how many people outside of Australlia would even know who this guy is?
They made the right call not pointing out his spouse in the stands. Out or not I doubt people would be too thrilled to be singled out on a globally televised event as the gay ones. If I remember correctly China is not exactly gay friendly either, so that could always lead to concerns.
Posted by: Monkeh | February 04, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Matthew Mitcham... *swoon*
That is all.
Posted by: BrainStud | February 04, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I’m glad the Olympic commentators didn’t mention Matthew’s sexuality. I didn’t hear the commentators saying anything like “the next athlete up is a heterosexual from Kansas”. The fact that it wasn’t spoken tells me it’s less of an issue than some gays want it to be. And I don’t think every athlete had their boyfriend or girlfriend shown on camera. Matthew is gay, he is out, the world knows it and yet he was still welcome at the games and welcome to participate. I don’t remember hearing of any restrictions placed on him because of his sexuality. It wasn’t that long ago that there would have been a strong resistance to Matthew even being allowed to participate in the Olympics as an out gay athlete. I see Matthew’s stance on this as a victory for all gays, athlete or not.
Posted by: MikeFromCanada | February 04, 2009 at 08:49 AM
It's not "nancie pansie" or "nancy pansie", or even
"Nancy Pansy".
It's NAMBSY PAMBSY!
Get an education, lol!
Posted by: GBA273 | February 04, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I suspect that the reason he's not getting the endorsement isn't because he's gay.
He's Aussie.
Face it, the big endorsement contracts go to successful American athletes.
Posted by: Kaculo | February 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Actually, there are 2 expressions: "nansy pansy" and "mamsy pamsy". There is NO "nambsy pambsy", with an "n" that Google recognizes.
Posted by: Joe Moag | February 04, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Ryan:
Yes, I would say the same thing if he was a black athlete drawing attention to all of the 'black issues' instead of gay ones - because my point was that he is receiving a lack of endorsements for bringing all the attention to his gay-ness (or black-ness in your question) which wouldnt speak well for my or other people's brands.
Adam:
I don't normally respond to immature slanderous comments from people who are obviously too childish to carry an adult conversation. But I thought someone should point out that your slanderous remarks are both uncalled for and only partially true. Sure, maybe I was wrong about his nomination in the Top Athletes of the Year for Gay.com - but, if you look at the nominations list isn't Phelps also there?
http://hottopics.gay.com/2008/12/best-of-2008--.html#more
And Mitcham winning had nothing to do with anything Gay.com did but nominate him - the votes and decision were made by the gay.com membership and judging by the number of features and close to obsessive behaviour surrounding Phelps on this site (which you would know about being such a dedicated reader of it) if it had been the other way around (gay.com deciding), I really think the outcome would have been differant. Besides the point was that Gay.com is back-peddling now because of a gay media issue when before their stance was how hot Phelps was at the Olympics. Next time pay attention to what is actually being said instead of tail-spinning off on ONE mistake in a post that has little relevance to what is being said. Oh, and don't forget to be a little more mature in the future or include that BOTH Phelps and Mitcham were on that ballot instead of only writing about the parts that hold any kind of ground for yourself ;)
corrective_unconscious
I would also suggest you approach discussion with a little more class and maturity. I don't think your first sentence is even a sentence to be understood but I am definately not in any kind of therapy nor have (or ever have had) sex with a woman. But like I said to Adam, I dont think that would have anything to do with the points I was making even if I was...
Also, once again - the wives/boyfriends of athletes has nothing to do with his endorsements - I only mentioned it as another potential reason that he might be missing out on them because of his persistence to bring to light more of his personal life then his accomplishments - which are what would get him the endorsements - focusing on his professional and athletic ability rather than complaining that his boyfriend wasn't on the jumbotron.
Finally I'd like to point out that my opinions have nothing to do with being a 'stinking, closet case, talibangelical bigot' because I;ve been out since I was 14, shower regularily, and am not discriminatory in any light or fashion - my work with gay associations, youth programs, and promoting accepting societies for everyone (including a weekly diversity column) pretty much proves that.
So think twice before you start throwing around slanderous comments - they really show your own true colours...
Greg Johnson:
I really do think it's no big deal - because the man is being his own worst enemy in the endorsement arena.
Sure I think it's important to have visibility for gay athletes and entertainers - but I really think they should think twice about complaining when the choice they made to be visible and fight for that visibility starts to hinder other areas of their life. Remember, it was their choice - and in this case it was his choice to make some huge stink about his being gay and his gay partners exposure - so he's gotta live with that choice and the repercussions of it. The only topic i've not seen Mitcham complain about was being awarded the gold - which was what his participation in the olympics was about...
But let's try to stick to the topic on this one guys - theres better things to do then try to chop me or someone else down for giving a plausible reason why he might be missing out.
Posted by: SERIAL SEAN | February 04, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Did you guys see the Videos and the Pictures?
OMG! This little Olympian looks like a Greek God!
His manner and demeanor are so unassuming yet provocative that I think he'd make more than a model. I think he'd make an excellent spokesperson for some company.
I'm more enamored with him after seeing the 5 vid clips than I was before. I'll be very interested to see what he decides to do with his future.
Posted by: VersAthlete23 | February 04, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Greg Johnson
I need to clarify one more thing for you though - you took my 'who cares' out of context when I was saying it about not caring how hot he looks in a speedo or what his sexuality is.
Because his participation in the olympics had nothing to do with either topic - only his athletic ability.
Please pay more attention to what is being said instead of hearing what you want to be said.
Any other comments or questions or potentially slanderous immaturity can be directed to my gay.com email at serialsean@gay.com - seeing as how not one of these responsive posters had the courage to include ANY KIND of contact information about themselves...
Posted by: SERIAL SEAN | February 04, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Forget Michael Phelps? hmmm... Why would we do that because he is str8? Possibly? First of all, this guy is Australian. Phelps is and represented the USA, and did every well. Gay.com needs to fucking get it together!
Posted by: Interesting | February 04, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Um, wasn't Phelps the one plastered all over gay.com after the Olympics? I'm guessing it is because Phelps is American, but gay.com didn't show Mitchem much support until now. By the way, ho wmany months has it been since he won that gold....?
Posted by: Jason | February 04, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Maybe Matthew can land a deal with Aussiebum or a vegemite distribution company.
If he were an American, then we may wonder why he wasn't on the talk show and morning "news" circuit in The United States like all the rest of the GOLD winners.
Since most companies which are universal...Pepsi, CornFlakes, ect...are American based, it only fits that Americans would get those deals.
As for not showing the BF in the stands.....I got tired of seeing Michael Phelps' mom every 5 minutes.
**love the woman, thinking 'bout being her for Halloween** but give it a rest.
Posted by: Gus | February 04, 2009 at 03:19 PM
You people are crazy: Gay.com isn't "taking a stance" or doing anything other highlighting an article in the Advocate. Why is everyone reading so much more into this than there is? NOT everything has to be a f!@#$%$ debate! The guy is gay, he's got a story that may be interesting to some and is dealing with issues that might be interesting to others. If YOU don't find it interesting, or find him compelling - FINE!! Keep it to yourself. There is SO much negative energy on here! And if you still have a problem with it, write to the Advocate!!
Agreed he probably isn't getting as many endoresments as he would if he was American, but he also states in the interview, if anyone cared to read it, that he isn't interested in endorsing "typical" gay products either...so where does that leave him? And for those of you who say "good to NBC for not mentioning his sexuality or partner" that's BS. Olympic sportscasters LOVE the backstory and were clearly ommitting any mention of his partner being there. I don't need them to hit us over the head w/ his being gay, but ignoring it is another thing.
Posted by: ponyourniis | February 04, 2009 at 04:39 PM
To me, Family is Family....is Family. No Family member is perfect, it can be a Magazine, it can be a person, it can be our whole community...but someone has to realize to love this family and pull it together. I am proud that Advocate got to the story and did what they had, as well as MATTHEW being who he is and for each being a part of my family, without blood flowing they are a part of my heart. One day everyone will wake up, hopefully it will not be too late for some of you individuals to make this life a better place. To encourage, to inspire, to use what we have is something wonderful and again "we " are the ones who will make our family better. Thank you again Advocate, Matthew and Gay.com, everything you do gives us the ability to be able to express who we are.
Most Sincerest Regards,
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin | February 04, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I've spent some time around Mitcham, Louganis, Spitz and Phelps, Carl Lewis.
None of them care whether the other person or competitor is gay or straight, in or out of the pool. Each is a good guy and all are true sportsmen, in it to advance the sport and not for themselves.
If Mitcham's endorsements aren't rolling in, it's not for lack of appeal. He's with-it and has a great public presence.
He'll break out at some point in the advert world.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 04, 2009 at 07:28 PM
>"I’m glad the Olympic commentators didn’t mention Matthew’s sexuality. I didn’t hear the commentators saying anything like “the next athlete up is a heterosexual from Kansas”. The fact that it wasn’t spoken tells me it’s less of an issue than some gays want it to be."
The cluelessness is astonishing. Wives and girlfriends of male athletes are shown and mentioned all the time during the Olympics. And showing the wives or girlfriends is not the only reason commentators don't announce that the next competitor up is str8 - everyone is assumed to be str8. That's part of the problem of bigotry we get from all the lying, xstain talibangelical morons - g/l/b/t invisibility.
Posted by: corrective_unconscious | February 04, 2009 at 11:32 PM
ponyourniis
If Matthew isnt interested in accepting 'typically gay' product endorsements maybe he should think about how he's approaching the whole thing...
If he didnt want these kind of endorsements then he sure is hell doing the wrong PR campaign and drawing all this gay attention - if he wanted more mainstream and less gay endorsements you'd think he would be focusing all this energy into something less... well gay.
Posted by: SERIAL SEAN | February 04, 2009 at 11:34 PM
>"None of them care whether the other person or competitor is gay or straight, in or out of the pool."
Good, then the athletes you name won't mind mentioning who is openly gay in the same way the media currently mention the dates or spouses or dating exploits of str8 athletes. If they don't care then this charade of silence about those few athletes who are openly gay can cease.
Do you even know what a double standard is?
Posted by: corrective_unconscious | February 04, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Serial Sean - I didn't say anything to the contrary! This is exactly what I'm talking about - this rush to judgment in the comments. I just asked the question, "where does this leave him"? I GET IT - YES, you bothered to explicitly state the obvious in the comments when anyone who reads the article should be asking themsleves the same questions...so why do you feel the need to jump down everyone's throats?
Posted by: ponyourniis | February 05, 2009 at 08:11 AM
-.- Phelps is hotter
Posted by: SharpAvenue | February 05, 2009 at 08:51 AM
ponyourniis
I think you should read up a little higher than the comments where I start listing names in response.
You'd see that I am responding to people who have jumped down my throat for commenting honestly.
None of my original comments not the one i made towards you was 'jumping down' anything - just responding.
Its funny though how you took it that way when there isnt a thing about my note that was condescending or negative towards you or your comment...
Posted by: SERIAL SEAN | February 05, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Mark Spitz was on a few cereal boxes then you never heard from him again. People forget move on etc. And puppytop, I think everyone has a right to come on here and express their opinions. We don't need to call each other derogatory names. I like seeing different opinions on here even if I don't agree but I wouldn't start calling people names, it kind of discredits the point you are trying to make.
Posted by: Derek | February 06, 2009 at 07:32 AM
i think that matt is a very blessed individual with alot of talent and bravery, kudos to him all the way!! oh ya and he's very hot!!! he can dive into me head first anytime!!!!
Posted by: chuck | February 06, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I just put Matthew on my Amazon Wish list.
What a cutie.
Posted by: Mikey | February 06, 2009 at 07:29 PM
i seem to remember that there is another gay gold medal diver who was also HIV+ and he is an american......does Greg Louganis ring any bells?? he also got no endorsements...... homophobia never sleeps
Posted by: scott alan | February 06, 2009 at 10:46 PM
What a beautiful man!!
Posted by: Jim | February 07, 2009 at 07:58 AM
If some of these posts are indicative of the current state of homosexual advancement, we are in a world of hurt.
Posted by: Brian | February 07, 2009 at 08:31 AM