Tue 29 Jul 2014 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
When the diving (finally!) gets underway at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday night, gay New Zealander Simon Latimer will be among the judges. Last time we caught up with Latimer was in 2012 when he was about to judge at the London Olympics. The 32-year-old’s a former elite diver who just missed out on making it to the Commonwealth Games as a youngster – then suffered a devastating spinal fracture which ultimately forced him quit competing at the highest level. He’s been a Fina judge since 2008, something which means he’s been able to stay closely involved in the sport he loves. Since London, he’s judged a number of competitions, including the World University Games in Russia in 2013, the World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona in 2013, and the 2014 World Diving Cup in China. At the World University Games “I have also officiated in Puerto Rico, USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and Germany. In fact I only got back from Shanghai ... and had to do a very quick turnaround to head to Scotland,” he tells GayNZ.com. “I also started a new job as an Advisor to the Office of the Ombudsman. My work focuses on disability issues, and looks closely at the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” He also has a “fantastic” new boyfriend. While he “ironically” leans toward New Zealand becoming a republic, Latimer says he can appreciate that the Commonwealth has been very relevant to New Zealand, particularly in the past. “I think that is worth celebrating in a number of ways, including through sports contests,” he says. “I am always pretty excited to attend large scale multi-sporting events. It's a different vibe when there with competitors and officials from lots of sports around. I quite like mixing with people from other nations, with interesting opinions, and from other sports. Interestingly there is no diving pool in Glasgow, so the diving will be held in Edinburgh. I have to admit I like Edinburgh more than Glasgow - especially being a Dunedinite!” He says diving judges need to be “versatile” and prepared to judge any of the events. “That includes men's events, women's events, springboard events and the platform events. We also judge the synchronised diving events, where the goal is to obviously perform the same dive as your partner with the same technique.” Latimer says the level of diving will be very good at the Games. “Australia, Canada, England and Malaysia are among the most successful nations in world diving - so it will be worth watching.” Hanging out poolside with Matt Mitcham Of course there is a buzz of excitement among many lgbti people about seeing out divers Matthew Mitcham and Tom Daley compete this week. “Matthew Mitcham came out as a gay athlete before he won Olympic Gold in Beijing, and Thomas Daley came out in recent months,” Latimer says. “I think it was a very gutsy move from both athletes, particularly Tom, who is constantly in the media in the UK. While it is great to have some openly gay athletes in diving at present, we have also had this in the past with the likes of Greg Louganis - who was probably the best male diver ever. “I would say perhaps athletes feel comfortable to come out in diving given the legacy of high performing gay athletes.” He adds that while diving is certainly not a ‘majority gay’ sport, there have always been some gay athletes, coaches and officials. “Many of the other top performing athletes, in the Commonwealth anyway, are very supportive of Matt and Tom.” Latimer says in terms of international sports, diving is probably one of the most respectful environments in terms of sexuality. “From what I have read, it sounds like it might be much more difficult for an athlete in a team sport, with a macho reputation, to come out.” His advice to any up and coming gay divers is to remember their sexuality is a small part of who they are. “While it is important, it doesn't define you as an individual or an athlete.” Latimer points out that in all sports, in general, more high-level successful sportsmen and woman have started to come out. “I have read about this in gymnastics, swimming, diving, athletics, basketball, gridiron, tennis... I think the current generation of athletes can be thankful that there are now high profile and high-achieving athletes who are good role models, and willing to talk openly about their sexuality. “Sport hasn't always had these types of people in the past. I think it will be interesting to see New Zealand's reaction when we have our first openly gay All Black or Black Cap!” The Commonwealth Games diving begins on Wednesday night. Jacqui Stanford - 29th July 2014