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Tom Bosworth Talks Closeted LGBT Athletes After Rio Proposal to His Boyfriend

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"There are lots of countries still where you can’t be out, let alone be a sportsperson at the Olympic Games and be out."

Tom Bosworth, just days after proposing to his now fiance during this year's Olympic games, is bringing attention to gay athletes who have been forced into the closet by the laws of their home countries.

"There are lots of countries still where you can't be out, let alone be a sportsperson at the Olympic Games and be out. I can't imagine being in that situation," the record-holding race walker said in his interview with BuzzFeed.

The British athlete says that he's happy to be living in and representing a country that has been so supportive of him coming out and of his engagement. But moments of oppression still take place even in progressive countries.

Bosworth referred specifically to The Daily Beast reporter who seemingly tried to lure gay athletes out of the closet using Grindr.

"It's a disgusting act. It's bullying. It could put people's lives in danger. It's beyond anything I've ever seen a journalist do. I don't think he should write another article again. There was no thought behind what he did," Bosworth said. "He just wanted a story."

Homosexuality is still illegal in 75 countries around the world and punishable with imprisonment and even death.

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