- Campbell Harrison has failed to make it to the final at the Olympics
- But the Australian sent a powerful message to his trolls.
- Harrison was abused on social media after an image went viral
Campbell Harrison has failed to qualify for the finals of the men’s bouldering and difficulty competition.
But she has sent a strong message after being the victim of fierce homophobia as she sealed her place at the Olympics.
Openly gay Australian Olympian Harrison celebrated his biggest sporting moment last November with a kiss with boyfriend Justin, but faced vile bullying when the image was shared by the Olympics’ main social media accounts.
The comments were so vitriolic that the Daily Mail Australia decided not to publish them at the time.
Harrison failed to make it to the final of the men’s competition in Paris, but used his opportunity to take on homophobic trolls, kissing his boyfriend Justin after the event.
Harrison finished tied for 19th with a score of 9.4. With only the top eight from each semi-final advancing, the Australian was confirmed to be out of the event.
“Qualifying was really tough and overcoming all the obstacles to get here was really difficult. It wasn’t my day,” Campbell said.
He took the opportunity to reflect on his incredible journey.
Campbell Harrison kisses boyfriend Justin after their semi-final in Paris
The Australian climber failed to make it to the final of the men’s competition on Monday.
Harrison finished in 19th place, and only the top eight climbers qualified for the final.
“It’s crazy. This morning when I woke up, I was kind of excited. I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I’m an Olympian now. ‘ So it’s crazy. At the end of the day, that was the big goal.
“It’s really something, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before, probably unless you’ve seen climbing before.
“People use their bodies in many different ways. All athletes have different strengths that they test on the wall.
“When you see someone unlock a rock or a sequence for the first time, it can be very exciting and there’s a lot of tension that can be maintained throughout the rounds, which is really cool.”
Harrison took the opportunity to send a powerful message after being brutally attacked.
Campbell (left) has received support from teammate Justin (right) throughout his sporting endeavours.
Responding to homophobic abuse last year, Harrison said: “We often tell ourselves that society as a whole is becoming more progressive, or that things are ‘getting better’.”
‘But the reality is that there is a reason why you see so few gay athletes in sport.
“And that’s because we’re still not safe here…yet. Pride matters. Representation (also) matters.
“It’s the homophobes and bigots who should feel unwelcome in sport. Not me. Not (her boyfriend) Justin. Not queer people who are just trying to live their lives without having to lie and hide who they are.”
