A top-level ski jumper from Poland has come out via an Instagram posting on New Year’s Day.
Andrzej Stękała, 29, hit a career-best with a team bronze medal at the World Championships in 2020
Stękała said he was moved to open up about his sexuality after the death of his partner, Damian, in November.
“I have wondered for a long time whether I would ever find the strength to write these words,” he said alongside an Instagram reel that featured a montage of photos and videos of his late partner.
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“For years, I lived in the shadow of fear and in hiding. I was afraid I might be destroyed by who I really am.
“What I am about to say is the single most difficult thing I have ever done in my life,” Stękała continued. “Like I said, I have been hiding for years, fearing that my admitting in front of the whole world who I really am would wipe out everything I have worked for so hard. However, I do not want to run away anymore.
“I want you to meet my true self. I am gay. I have kept this fact a secret for years – from you, from the media and sometimes even from myself.
“In 2016, I met a person who changed my life. He was my pillar, my support and my biggest fan. Together, we shared life, passions, happiness and difficult moments. He was everything to me – my home, my dear heart. We loved each other in silence, hiding our love from the world in order to protect what was our greatest treasure.
“Starting a new chapter”
“I lost him last November,” Stękała said. “I cannot find the words to describe the pain I have been feeling ever since that fatal day. The world we had been building together fell to pieces. Every day without him is a fight, but also a reminder of how unconditionally I loved and was loved.
“Today, on the 1st of January, I am starting a new chapter. I do not want to hide who I am anymore. I am myself – a human being who loved and still loves. I know that he would want me to go on living at peace with myself.
“I ask for your understanding and respect. My story is a story of love which deserves light, not darkness.
“I wish to thank those of you who were by my side over the years, especially my family and closest friends. It is in you where I find my strength to open up. I will carry his name in my heart till the end of my days. I wish you all love and courage in the coming year.”
Stękała’s post has prompted hundreds of supportive comments.
Norway’s three-time World Championships silver medalist Halvor Egner Granerud wrote: “Stay strong Andrzej … heartbreaking to read about your loss … Hope your brave 2025 will be a good year for you, filled with the freedom of not hiding who you are.”
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