Olympic freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy never expected a steamy hockey romance series to hit so close to home.
But Heated Rivalry, the Crave Canada sensation, did exactly that.
In a revealing conversation with The New Yorker ahead of his fourth Olympic Games in Milan, Kenworthy opened up about seeing his own struggles with sexuality and secrecy reflected onscreen for the first time.
The British American athlete, who made history in 2015 as the first openly gay extreme sports competitor, found unexpected emotional resonance in a show he initially dismissed as guilty pleasure television.
From Skeptic to Believer: A Surprising Connection
Kenworthy’s initial reaction to Heated Rivalry was skeptical at best.
At first, I didn’t understand the big deal. It was fun to watch, but it was sort of smut. I honestly thought, ‘All these thirsty gays! Y’all are just horny.’ Like, you could watch porn?
Friends kept insisting he give it more time. They promised emotional depth beyond surface-level entertainment.
People kept telling me, ‘Just wait — it tugs on the heartstrings.’ And then it did.
Everything changed with episode three.
The Episode That Changed Everything
The standalone episode titled “Hunter,” starring François Arnaud, became Kenworthy’s turning point.
The story follows a clandestine romance between professional hockey player Scott Hunter and Kip, a smoothie bar barista played by Robbie G.K. Their hidden relationship, stolen moments, and constant fear of discovery struck a deeply personal chord.
The third episode changed things for me. I actually wrote a message to the show’s creator [Jacob Tierney] because I was so moved, and didn’t expect to be.
For someone who has lived in the public eye since winning silver at the Sochi Olympics in men’s slopestyle, seeing authentic representation mattered profoundly.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a substantial way. The parallels are kind of insane.
Secret Relationships and Public Facades
Kenworthy revealed striking similarities between his own life and the show’s narrative.
I also had a secret relationship with these clandestine meetings and hookups.
He drew a particularly intriguing parallel between his own experience and storylines in Heated Rivalry.
The Miley Cyrus Connection
In the show, character Shane Hollander has a brief but public relationship with Rose, a movie star played by Sophie Nélisse. Kenworthy compared this to his own high-profile connection with pop icon Miley Cyrus.
Miley Cyrus was my own Rose, this famous person that I was suddenly linked to, and as much as I kind of wanted it — because that’s the person you would want to be with if you’re straight, someone successful and beautiful and talented — it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy.
That single statement encapsulates years of internal conflict. The difference between who society expects you to love and who you actually love.
Living in the Closet as an Elite Athlete
Scott Hunter’s character resonated most deeply with Kenworthy’s pre-2015 experience.
And then the Scott Hunter character — I really related to him. He wanted to be out, but really, just truly felt like he couldn’t be, because of his circumstances. That was me for so many years.
The yearning Hunter displays throughout the episode mirrors what Kenworthy experienced during his closeted years competing at elite levels.
I had the same yearning — to be in love, to be public, and to not have to hide.
From Skiing to Acting (and Maybe Hockey?)
Kenworthy has expanded his career beyond competitive skiing in recent years. His acting credits include American Horror Story and 80 for Brady.
With characteristic humor, he even pitched himself for Season 2 of Heated Rivalry.
You know, I played hockey through high school. I can skate, and I know how to handle a stick.
Looking Forward: Milan Olympics and Representation
Kenworthy will compete in Milan as part of Team GB, marking his fourth Olympic appearance.
His journey from closeted athlete to openly gay Olympian to emotional viewer of queer sports drama represents broader shifts in athletic culture. Visibility matters. Representation saves lives.
When elite athletes see themselves reflected authentically in media, it validates experiences previously dismissed or hidden. When closeted athletes watch characters struggle with the same conflicts they face daily, it offers hope that freedom is possible.
Kenworthy’s willingness to share how deeply Heated Rivalry affected him demonstrates ongoing needs for authentic queer storytelling in sports contexts. His emotional response wasn’t about explicit content. It was about recognition.
About finally seeing his truth reflected back at him.