"It was so important for me to speak my truth because the Olympics are unlike any other event. The entire world is really watching. You have an opportunity to show who you are and to speak your mind. I was a queer athlete representing my country when I was in the best shape of my life. I wanted to show that being gay has nothing to do with me being an Olympian. Me being out was me being the best version of myself," said Rippon, who agrees with fellow Olympian Tom Daley that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is an "obvious violation of human rights".