Swimmer Mar Gunnarsson talks the Paralympics, dating in Iceland & his burgeoning music career
A post shared by Már (@margunnarsson)Mar Gunnarsson set a record at the Paris Paralympics, but that’s not the only reason why he let the post-race tears flow.The Icelandic swimmer was celebrating his greatest athletic achievement as his true self, leaving his second Paralympic Games in a lot better spirits than he exited Tokyo.
When Gunnarsson nonchalantly came out in a TV interview, he started approaching life with a liberating attitude: “Who gives a… ?”Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.“It definitely was a weight off my shoulders when I could tell myself, ‘OK, who gives a f*ck?'” he said. “When you get to that stage, it’s really, really nice.”Gunnarsson’s triumph in Paris was especially gratifying, because he previously walked away from the sport he loves.
He found the experience of training during 2020 to be miserable and defeating, and felt drained after Tokyo. With time to refresh, he tended to his other love: music.
He started playing the piano when he was seven, and moved to Manchester, U.K. to study at a leading conservatory. In early 2022, Gunnarsson showcased his musical talents at home, teaming up with his sister compete in Iceland’s search for a national entry for the Eurovision.
