Beijing, Feb 6, Anatoly Samokhvalov American figure skater Timothy Leduc, who is the first non-binary athlete in the history of the Olympic Games, said that critical comments do not hurt him. Leduc will perform at the Olympic Games in a sports pair with Ashley Kane-Gribble. The skater identifies himself as a gender that falls out of the binary system. Coach Alexander Zhulin was critical of Leduc and the nuances of his application for the Games. «All my life I have been trying to understand myself. To tell myself the truth. Since childhood, we were taught certain things that need to be done in order to succeed. But at some point, those around me helped me people with whom I could become myself,» Leduc told reporters. «I hope that I will help others in the same way. Many people face such criticism,» he added, answering a question about Zhulin's reaction. strong, it is believed that there is a man, there is a woman and everyone will be defined in one category or another.But my advice to those who are criticized: be yourself, you are a value, you deserve to be respected.I hope this is reflected in our skating — we are two-time US champions, we have overcome all warnings and compete at the Olympics. This is not only Zhulin's comment, there are many other comments too. It does not hurt me in any way. I can say the same thing: do not be afraid to be yourself. Try to take my joy if you can.»
