Trey Cunningham: Embracing Identity and Breaking Barriers in Athletics

Trey Cunningham: Breaking Barriers in Athletics

Trey Cunningham, a prominent high hurdler, recounts the nerve-wracking experience of coming out to his family and friends about his sexuality at the age of 20. Despite excelling in high-pressure situations on the track, he found this personal moment to be the “scariest thing I’ve ever done.” Cunningham emphasizes the importance of vocalizing his goals, a practice ingrained in his training routine. He believes that articulating aspirations aloud makes them tangible.

While Cunningham is not the first elite athlete to openly discuss their sexual orientation, he stands out as one one of the few active male athletes who have embraced their identity publicly. Reflecting on the past five years, Cunningham acknowledges that many individuals in the sports world navigate a complex relationship with their sexuality, often remaining in the shadows without being fully open about it.

His journey of self-discovery began in college, where he gradually started exploring and accepting his sexuality. Cunningham, initially preoccupied with sports ambitions and camaraderie, gradually realized his passion for high-speed hurdling. There was no sudden epiphany regarding his sexual orientation; rather, it was a gradual process of self-awareness and acceptance.