18 openly Gay and Lesbians to compete at the London OlympicsT

This years number of gay and lesbian athletes competing at the Olympics beats out the numbers for Athens and Beijing. Moral of this statement: WE ARE AWESOME! lol

*Clears throat... but back to journalistic reporting....

18 Olympians, 2 coaches, and 2 Paralympians are openly out and proud to be gay athletes. Compared to the 11 that competed in Athens and the 10 that competed in Beijing. They are:

OLYMPIANS
Matthew Mitcham (diving for Australia)
Edward Gal (equestrian for the Netherlands)
Lisa Raymond (doubles tennis for U.S.)
Judith Arndt (cycling for Germany)
Seimone Augustus (basketball for U.S.)
Imke Duplitzer (fencing for Germany)
Megan Rapinoe (soccer for U.S.)
Marilyn Agliotti (field hockey for the Netherlands)
Carl Hester (equestrian for Britain)
Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel (field hockey for the Netherlands)
Mayssa Pessoa (handball for Brazil)
Rikke Skov (handball for Denmark)
Maartje Paumen (field hockey for the Netherlands)
Natalie Cook (volleyball for Australia)
Alexandra Lacrabere (handball for France)
Jessica Landstrom (soccer for Sweden)
Carole Peon (triathlon for France)
Jessica Harrison (triathlon for France)

PARALYMPIANS

Lee Pearson (equestrian for Britain)

Claire Harvey (volleyball for Britain)


COACHES
Pia Sundhage (soccer coach for U.S.)
Hope Powell (soccer coach for Britain)