When it comes to coming out publicly, sport seems to be the final frontier. As an athlete, coming out or identifying as LGBT in the professional sport area can be challenging. There are perceptions, whether rightly or wrongly, that coming out can jeopardise a career or sponsorship deals – or even a loss in public support.

Emma Twigg is a rower from New Zealand who has reached the top of her sport. At 33, her rowing career spanned 16 years including three Olympic Games and being crowned world champion. Emma retired in 2015 but last year decided that she wanted to come back and use her profile of being an openly lesbian athlete to inspire others as a positive role model.