6 Men Who Weren't Afraid To Be Themselves

Even as homosexuality has become widely accepted in Western society, the subject has remained depressingly taboo in sport. The number of openly gay professional sportsmen playing at the top level of the world's major leagues can be counted on a single hand. Over a quarter of a decade after Justin Fashanu came out as the first gay footballer in Britain, not a single active player has followed suit. For whatever reason, such sports have failed to foster an environment in which its stars feel comfortable being themselves.

In 2007, former Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic forward John Amaechi broke down a significant barrier in North American sport by becoming the first former NBA player to reveal himself as gay. It was a risk - Amaechi expected "the wrath of America". Gladly, public reaction was widely positive, and the former basketballer's bravery in his honesty opened new pathways in the sport.