Just days before she was scheduled to compete in the women's archery competition at the XXX Olympiad, Karen-Ann Hultzer of South Africa shared that she is a lesbian and that she has a long-time partner.
Hultzer responded to questions about her sexuality from SB Nation, an online blog co-founded by OutSports.com honcho Cyd Zeigler.
â┚¬Å”When we got hold of Hultzer, she was wary of talking for fear that she might get distracted by more media attention ahead of the potential conclusion of her competition on Aug. 3,â┚¬Â Zeigler wrote. â┚¬Å”It's understandable, we always recommend athletes come out during their off-season for that very reason.â┚¬ÂÂ
Before the Olympic Games, Hultzer's partner, Tracey Kim Saunders, told Mamba Online about their relationship. That prompted Hultzer to respond to Zeigler's request for an interview.
â┚¬Å”I am an archer, middle-aged and a lesbian,â┚¬Â Hultzer said. â┚¬Å”I am also cranky before my first cup of coffee. None o these aspects define who I am, the are simply part of me. I am fortunate that my sexual identity is not an issue, and I don't suffer the level of discrimination and violence that black lesbians in South Africa do. I look forward to the day when this is a non-issue and as relevant as my eye color or favorite sushi.â┚¬ÂÂ
There are 22 out Olympians at this year's games and Hultzer is only the second South African Summer Olympian to come out. South African beach volleyball player Leigh-Ann Naidoo came out in 2004.
Hultzer did not make it to the Aug. 3 finals in London. She lost to Italy's Pia Lionetti 6-2. Hultzer was the only South African competing in the sport.
