Andrzej Stekala says he is gay, mourns loss of partner

Polish Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala Comes Out as Gay

WARSAW, Poland –

World-class ski jumper Andrzej Stekala made a bold public announcement at the start of the new year, revealing his sexuality and sharing his grief over the recent loss of his partner.

The 29-year-old athlete took to Facebook to share his truth, admitting that he had been hiding his sexual orientation out of fear for many years. In a heartfelt post on Wednesday, Stekala expressed his desire for his fans and the public to know the real him.

“For a long time I wondered if I would ever find the strength to write these words,” Stekala shared. “For years, I lived in fear, hiding my true self, afraid that being who I really am could have negative consequences. I want you to see the real me. I am gay.”

Alongside his coming out, Stekala also revealed that he was mourning the loss of his partner, who tragically passed away in November.

The post received an outpouring of support from fans and followers.

Stekala, who was part of the Polish team that secured bronze medals in world championships in ski jumping in Planica, Slovenia, and Oberstdorf, Germany in 2020 and 2021, also clinched an individual bronze medal in a World Cup event in Zakopane, Poland in 2021.