February 9, 2014
Gay Ski Jumper Says Protests Aren't Worth It
Bobby McGuire READ TIME: 1 MIN.
KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia -- An openly gay women's ski jumper says protests against Russia's law banning homosexual "propaganda" aimed at minors aren't worth it because "no one cares."
Daniela Iraschko-Stolz of Austria, who is a gold medal favorite in the women's normal hill, married partner Isabel Stolz last year.
"I don't think it's a good idea to make protests here, no one cares," she said after training Sunday. "I know Russia will go and make the right steps in the future and we should give them time."
The lead-up to the Sochi Games was dominated by criticism of Russia's new law and suggestions that athletes and officials should protest during the Olympics.
But Iraschko-Stolz, 30, said she has no issue with Russia.
"I am here as a sportswoman," she said. "I always say I'm together with my woman now and don't have any problems, not in Russia or with the Austrian federation. Ten years ago it was different."
"To jump pretty good is also a statement," she said.
She's been doing that, dominating the first two days of training ahead of Tuesday's historic first gold medal for women ski jumpers at the Olympics.
