Ian Matos, Brazilian Olympic Diver, Dies at 32

Ian Matos, an Olympic diver from Brazil, died following a two-month battle with a lung infection.

Matos was hospitalized for a throat infection that eventually spread to his stomach and lungs, and he died on December 21.

Matos competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he participated in the men’s synchronized three meter springboard and finished eighth in the event with diving partner Luiz Outerelo. He also won three bronze medals at the 2010 South American Games, a bronze at the 2012 FINA Diving Grand Prix, and a silver at the 2017 FINA Diving Grand Prix.

He is perhaps better known for coming out as gay in 2014, two years prior to his participation in the Olympics. Matos credited Tom Daley, who came out as gay in 2013, as inspiring Matos to do the same.

At the time, very few athletes openly identified as LGBTQ, but Matos became one of 56 out athletes to compete at the 2016 Games, which OutSports reported was a record. At the 2020 Olympics, 186 LGBTQ athletes competed.

É com profundo pesar que recebemos a triste notícia do prematuro falecimento do saltador olímpico Ian Matos, de 32 anos. O Time Brasil agradece toda a sua contribuição para a evolução da modalidade.

Nossos sinceros sentimentos aos familiares e amigos. pic.twitter.com/K75jMxSuH2

— Time Brasil (@timebrasil) December 21, 2021

“Team Brazil thanks you for all your contribution to the evolution of the sport,” wrote Brazil’s Olympic Committee in a statement on Twitter. “Our sincere feelings to family and friends.”