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Simon Dunn becomes Australia’s first out gay bobsledder

By Sam Rigby

Australian rugby player Simon Dunn has become the first out gay man to represent the country in bobsledding.

The sportsman – known for playing for the Sydney Convicts, the city’s gay rugby team – explained that he loves the “adrenaline rush” of his new sport.

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Speaking to SameSame, he said: “I was approached by a member of the Australian team through my rugby club in Calgary. Rugby is an easy crossover sport to bobsleigh, as the training is similar and the main idea is to run hard and fast.

“I love competing in bobsleigh. The adrenaline rush. Using my strengths from rugby and excelling in a different sport. I love representing my country. And I’m also proud of the fact that I’m the first out gay man in the sport to do so!”

“My years playing rugby for the Sydney Convicts in Sydney definitely helped my conditioning to be ready for the sport,” he added.

Dunn is currently training in Calgary as he prepares to launch a bid to compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

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