By now we have all heard the news that Aussie diver Matthew Mitcham came just shy of qualifying for the 10m platform Olympic final.

Although he didn’t bring home the top prize we still think he is pure Queenslander gold! Not many athletes have the balls to stand up and say who they are and what they stand for.

With only 12 places up for grabs, Mitcham finished (unlucky) 13th.

It has been widely recognised that in the two years leading up to the London 2012 Games, Mitcham suffered injuries in particular of his spine and a torn abdominal muscle.

But out of over 11,000 athletes competing in the London Olympic Games, Mitcham was one of only three openly gay male competitors.

His emphasis on the sport and on his performance combined with the work he does for the LGBT community makes him great role model.

“I certainly don’t see it as a burden… I never did, especially with how much attention the LGBT cause has been getting lately with marriage equality…and with how few openly gay sports stars there are around at the moment.”

He added, “I would like one day for sexuality to be as unimportant and uninteresting as hair colour, or eye colour or even just gender in general.”

Mitcham is a real trailblazer, showing how any athlete can navigate the coming-out process and be openly gay without that defining you. If that wasn’t enough he also looks adorable playing the ukulele.