Kendall Wesenberg Returns to Skeleton: Olympic Athlete and LGBTQ+ Advocate Makes Inspiring Comeback After Surgery

Kendall Wesenberg, a pioneering figure in American skeleton racing and one of Team USA’s notable openly LGBTQ+ athletes, has made a determined return to competition following a challenging hip surgery. Wesenberg, who first made her mark by becoming the first American woman to win the overall European Cup season rankings in 2014–15, has consistently pushed the boundaries for both athletic achievement and LGBTQ+ visibility in a sport long dominated by tradition and limited diversity .

Wesenberg’s career highlights include competing for the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, an event that cemented her status as a role model for aspiring athletes across the spectrum of gender and sexual identities . Her resilience has been tested both on and off the ice; after multiple seasons on the World Cup circuit and a silver medal performance at St. Moritz in 2017, she faced the daunting obstacle of hip surgery—a procedure that directly impacts nearly every motion in her demanding sport .

In interviews, Wesenberg has described the unique challenges posed by her hip injury and subsequent surgery. “As it turns out, your hips are involved in basically everything you’re doing!” she remarked, highlighting the extensive rehabilitation required to regain competitive form . The recovery process was not only physically grueling but also mentally taxing, as she had to rebuild confidence and performance in a field where milliseconds can separate competitors.

Despite these challenges, Wesenberg’s return was marked by competitive finishes at major international events, including a tenth-place result at the 2020 World Championships in Altenberg and a career-best World Cup season ranking of sixth in 2018–19 . Her perseverance through adversity has been cited as an inspiration to teammates and fans alike, particularly those who see themselves reflected in her openness about her LGBTQ+ identity .

Wesenberg’s visibility as an openly bisexual woman in the world of winter sports carries particular significance. With few publicly out athletes in sliding sports, her presence challenges stereotypes and provides a vital point of representation for LGBTQ+ youth interested in winter athletics . She has spoken in various forums about the importance of authenticity and the impact that representation can have, especially in environments where diversity has historically been limited .

Her advocacy extends beyond her own visibility; Wesenberg has underscored the importance of supportive environments—both within Team USA and the broader sports community—for LGBTQ+ athletes. She has credited her university experience and mentors for fostering a sense of belonging, underlining the difference that affirming communities make in an athlete’s personal and professional development .

As Wesenberg continues her career, her dual legacy as an elite skeleton racer and champion for LGBTQ+ inclusion grows ever more significant. Her story is a testament to the ways in which athletic excellence and personal authenticity can coexist—and even reinforce each other—at the highest levels of sport. With her eyes set on future competitions, Wesenberg remains a beacon for those who seek to challenge barriers, whether on the ice or within the broader culture of sport .

Her journey serves as a reminder that progress in sport is measured not just by medals, but by the courage to be oneself and pave the way for others to follow.