Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy is one of a kind. Not just for his skiing, but for his personality, determination, advocacy, and heart.

Born and raised in Telluride, Colorado, Kenworthy has skied his whole life. He picked up his first sponsor at the age of 16, and at 27 years old he continues to push the sport and establish new boundaries. His dedication to his craft has established him as one of the top park skiers in the world and one of the select few athletes to consistently make the podium in slopestyle, halfpipe and big air events.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Kenworthy has become a symbol of hope and acceptance, transcending boundaries and overcoming obstacles; proving to be a one of a kind icon. He has transitioned into his new role seamlessly, using his fame to bring to light issues he is passionate about.

At the age of 23, Kenworthy earned the privilege of representing the United States in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, and proudly brought home the silver medal in slopestyle.

After the city of Sochi decided to kill stray dogs during the 2014 Olympics, Kenworthy arranged for four stray puppies and their mother to come back to the United States. Drawing attention to the plight of rescue animals, Kenworthy became an activist and advocate for the well-being of dogs.

In 2015, Kenworthy made the bold and courageous decision to come out as a proud gay man. Never one to shy away from the camera or his fans, he chose the cover of ESPN magazine as the vehicle to deliver the news. He was met with widespread support, love and praise for his choice to reveal his true self. Rolling Stone magazine recognized Kenworthy as the first action-sports star to come out.

Kenworthy became one of only two openly gay men to compete for the United States at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018. Prior to his qualifying run for slopestyle, Kenworthy kissed his boyfriend and cameras captured the moment on film. It was the kiss seen round the world — becoming an iconic moment not only for the LGBTQ community as a whole but as a historic moment in sports history.

At the closing of the Olympics in South Korea, Kenworthy partnered with Humane Society International to shut down a dog meat farm, rescuing 80 dogs from a cruel fate, and shining a spotlight on the dog meat cruelty that exists around the world.

In 2019, Kenworthy announced he’d be participating in the AIDS/LifeCycle ride—a 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, pledging to raise $1 million dollars for the organization which assists individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, Kenworthy works with the Trevor Project to prevent suicide in LGBTQ youth, along with the Happy Hippie Foundation which aids homeless and LGBTQ kids.

Kenworthy’s versatility as a public figure is unlimited. He will get to flex his acting chops when he joins the cast of “American Horror Story” to play Emma Roberts’ boyfriend. The popular horror show is in its ninth season, and filming will begin in the summer of 2019.

From an Olympic medalist in skiing, to activist, to actor and influencer, Gus Kenworthy is an icon.