At a Glance
- Gus Kenworthy, former Olympic slopestyle skier, shares a hidden romance with Miley Cyrus before coming out as gay.
- He compares his experience to the TV series Heated Rivalry.
- Kenworthy is preparing to compete for Great Britain at the 2026 Milan Winter Games.
Why it matters: The story illustrates how athletes navigate personal identity while in the public eye, and underscores Kenworthy’s return to Olympic competition.
Gus Kenworthy, a former Olympic silver medalist and actor, recently opened up about a secret relationship he kept hidden with singer-actress Miley Cyrus before he publicly identified as gay. In an interview with The New Yorker published on January 25, 2025, Kenworthy drew parallels between his own experience and the television series Heated Rivalry, a show that follows two ice hockey stars who conceal their same-sex romance.
A Glimpse into the Past
Kenworthy’s journey began on the slopes of Sochi, where he earned a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He later transitioned into acting, appearing in projects such as American Horror Story: 1984 and 80 for Brady.
- 2014: Olympic silver medal in slopestyle.
- 2015: Came out as gay in an interview with ESPN: The Magazine.
- 2018: Publicly dated actor Matthew Wilkas, sharing a viral kiss before the Pyeongchang Olympics.
- 2019: Split with Wilkas.
- 2022: Retired from competition and missed the Beijing Games.
- 2026: Set to return to the Olympics for Great Britain in Milan.
Kenworthy’s decision to come out was a milestone for action-sports athletes, and he has been recognized as one of the first in his field to do so, according to Olympics.com.
The Heated Rivalry Parallel
During the New Yorker interview, Kenworthy described watching Heated Rivalry and how it resonated with his own life:
> “I just finished,” Kenworthy told The New Yorker. “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?”
He added that the third episode changed his perspective:
> “People kept telling me, ‘Just wait – it tugs on the heartstrings.’ And then it did. The third episode changed things for me. I actually wrote a message to the show’s creator because I was so moved, and didn’t expect to be. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a substantial way.”
Kenworthy compared the show’s narrative to his own secret relationship with Miley Cyrus, whom he called his “Rose,” a nod to the character’s role in the series.
- Rose – Cyrus as the public figure Kenworthy was linked to.
- Scott Hunter – The show’s protagonist who struggles to be open about his sexuality.
Kenworthy explained that his longing to be in love and publicly recognized was similar to the show’s character:
> “I had the same yearning – to be in love, to be public, and to not have to hide.”
Coming Out and Public Support
Kenworthy’s coming out in 2015 was met with praise from fans and fellow athletes. Miley Cyrus, who had known him since before his announcement, expressed admiration on social media:
> “Never have I ever been prouder to call @guskenworthy my friend! (and he’s a bad ass fking Olympic athlete),” Cyrus wrote. “He is showing all of us what it means to be courageous and PROUD of who we are! You have won so much more than any medal …. You have won FREEDOM!”
She continued:
> “I had so much respect for Kenworthy for coming out, adding that his announcement left her heart ‘fluttering’ and feeling ‘like a million little cocoons just busted open and I am filled up with butterflies.'”
These comments highlighted the supportive community surrounding Kenworthy during his transition.
Personal Relationships
Beyond his public life, Kenworthy’s relationships have evolved over the years. After his partnership with Matthew Wilkas ended in 2019, he has focused on his career and training for the upcoming Olympics.
| Relationship | Duration | Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|
| Miley Cyrus (secret) | Pre-2015 | Hidden romance, referred to as “Rose” |
| Matthew Wilkas | 2018-2019 | Viral kiss before Pyeongchang Olympics |
Kenworthy’s candidness about his past relationships has helped break stereotypes within the sports community.
Olympic Journey and Comeback
Kenworthy’s Olympic career has seen significant milestones. After competing for the United States in his first two Games, he retired in 2022 and missed the Beijing Winter Games. However, his British heritage opened a new path:
- He secured a spot on Team Great Britain’s ski squad last week.
- He will compete in the slopestyle event at the 2026** Milan Winter Games.
This comeback marks a historic moment for Kenworthy, who will be the first former U.S. athlete to represent Great Britain at the Winter Olympics.
Key Takeaways
- Gus Kenworthy’s secret relationship with Miley Cyrus mirrored the narrative of Heated Rivalry.
- His coming out in 2015 positioned him as a trailblazer in action sports.
- Support from Miley Cyrus and the broader community has been pivotal.
- Kenworthy’s return to the Olympics for Great Britain in 2026 underscores his enduring dedication to the sport.
Kenworthy’s story is a reminder that personal authenticity and athletic excellence can coexist, inspiring both fans and fellow athletes worldwide.
