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Dutch Track Star Ramsey Angela Returns to Tokyo, Reflects on Olympic Journey
READ TIME: 21 MIN.
Dutch track and field star Ramsey Angela, celebrated for his silver medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will soon return to the Japanese capital—the city where his athletic dreams took flight. Angela, a specialist in the 400 metres and 400 metres hurdles, made global headlines not only for his athletic prowess but also as a visible, out gay athlete thriving at the highest level of international competition .
Angela’s return to Tokyo for an upcoming international meet is more than a homecoming; it stands as a powerful moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport, and a reminder of the progress and challenges facing queer athletes worldwide .
Born in Rotterdam in 1999, Angela quickly established himself as a rising star in Dutch athletics, specializing in the 400m and 400m hurdles. His breakthrough came at the postponed 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where he helped the Netherlands secure a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay. Angela also competed in the 400m hurdles, setting a personal best that year .
Angela’s performances have continued to impress, with notable finishes at the World Indoor Championships and several national titles to his name. His athletic achievements are matched by his growing influence as an openly gay athlete in a traditionally heteronormative sporting world .
Angela’s journey as an out athlete has been characterized by quiet confidence and authenticity. Unlike some athletes who make formal coming-out announcements, Angela has let his actions and social media presence speak for themselves. He has posted openly about his relationships, including with his boyfriend, without fanfare or staged declarations .
In an interview with ESPN, Angela explained, “Now I post about my first boyfriend, but not like it’s a surprise. It kind of happened naturally, it’s part of being Ramsey Angela” . For Angela, visibility is not about making grand statements but about living authentically and supporting others through example.
This approach has resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike, fostering a sense of normalcy and acceptance around LGBTQ+ identities in sport. Angela’s openness, coupled with his competitive success, challenges stereotypes and provides hope for LGBTQ+ youth who aspire to excel in athletics.
Angela’s career highlights both the progress made and the barriers that remain for queer athletes. While some countries and sports have become more inclusive, many LGBTQ+ athletes still face discrimination, lack of representation, or pressure to remain closeted. Angela’s visible presence on the world stage—particularly in the context of the high-profile Olympic Games—represents a significant milestone for inclusion .
Organizations such as Athlete Ally and the Human Rights Campaign have emphasized the importance of role models like Angela in breaking down barriers and encouraging acceptance at all levels of sport . By simply being himself, Angela has contributed to changing the narrative around LGBTQ+ participation in athletics.
Angela’s return to Tokyo is not just a personal milestone—it is a moment of celebration for the broader LGBTQ+ community. His journey underscores the power of representation, and the importance of safe, affirming spaces for queer athletes to compete and thrive.
As Angela prepares for his next race on the Tokyo track, he carries with him the hopes of many who see in his story a beacon of possibility. “I hope that just by being visible, I can help others feel more comfortable being themselves,” Angela has said in past interviews .
Whether on the track or in his everyday life, Ramsey Angela continues to blaze a trail for LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere—proof that dreams begun on the Olympic stage can inspire change far beyond the stadium lights.
