Skater Filip Taschler ‘feels amazing’ at his first Olympics since coming out
Filip Taschler is a bi figure skater at the Milan Winter Olympics. He talks with Outsports about his first Olympics after coming out. The post Skater Filip Taschler ‘feels amazing’ at his first Olympics since coming out appeared first on Outsports.
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Filip Taschler is one of the seven out gay and bi athletes competing in figure skating at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
With partner and sister Natalie Taschler, the duo finished 15th in the ice dance competition — the highest place of the two Czech Republic teams — an improvement from their 16th-place finish at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Taschler had an insightful description of the inspiration of their program at these Winter Olympics, which was based on a revolutionary film.
“Our Olympic program is inspired by The Matrix — but not just as a film,” Taschler wrote on Instagram. “For us, Matrix is a metaphor for the world we live in: a system of expectations, limits, labels, and invisible rules that shape how we are supposed to move, think, and be.”
Outsports caught up with Filip Taschler after his competition to talk about life as an out athlete.
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All 7 of the out gay and bi figure skaters at the Milan Winter Olympics
At least 7 out LGBTQ athletes are competing in figure skating at the Milan Winter Olympics, including a half dozen men and the first woman.
Outsports’ Q&A with Olympic figure skater Filip Taschler
Outsports: Other than competing for gold, what have you most looked forward to in Milan?
Filip Taschler: I really want to enjoy every single moment — both on and off the ice. I think that’s something we’ve truly learned to do. I want to enjoy skating and feel the love for this sport, especially because I’ve been through some difficult experiences in the past.
Being able to stand there, skate freely, and appreciate the moment means everything to me.
Outsports: You’re one of over three dozen out LGBTQ athletes competing in Milan. How does it make you feel to have so many out athletes competing?
Taschler: It feels amazing. I’m still kind of new to this “out” part of my life, so it’s really special. I’m so happy to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with other athletes and to see our big family competing proudly and being ourselves.
Outsports: When did you come out as bi in your personal life?
Taschler: I came out when I was a teenager.
Outsports: Has your family been accepting?
Taschler: Absolutely. Our family is based on love, no matter what, so I feel incredibly lucky to have them. Their support means everything to me.
Outsports: How about others in figure skating?
Taschler: I’m also very grateful for my skating family and especially my ice dance family. I truly believe professional sport should be built on respect, and in skating, I feel that respect almost everywhere. I’m very thankful for that.
Outsports: Do you feel like Czech culture accepts you as an out bi man?
Taschler: I’m not really looking for acceptance — I just want to be myself, shine, and spread good energy and love. I personally haven’t had problems. Of course, there will always be some people who aren’t open-minded, but that’s everywhere in the world, not just about sexuality but about many things. I focus on the positive and keep moving forward.
You can follow Filip Taschler on Instagram.
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The post Skater Filip Taschler ‘feels amazing’ at his first Olympics since coming out appeared first on Outsports.
