【Dear Utol (2025): Itch Follows Episode 23】

The Dear Utol (2025): Itch Follows Episode 23Winter Olympics are well under way, but there's one athlete in particular that people can't stop talking about.

Adam Rippon broke barriers by being the first openly gay American male athlete to qualify for the Winter Olympics and last night he made his debut for the figure skating U.S. team.

Although the U.S. team placed third, earning them a bronze medal, the internet is crowning him the true winner of the games.

SEE ALSO: Meet the first openly gay man to compete for the U.S. in the Winter Olympics

The 28-year-old figure skater's personality accents his exceptional skill with quick wit and blunt humor. His post-interview with NBC reporter Andrea Joyce cemented him as our new favorite athlete.

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But if we back track to before the Winter Olympics, the newly-bronzed medalist has always been a fan favorite.

From the butt conspiracy (he had to go on record to say that in fact it was real) to his original performance of "Diamonds" by Rihannain December, his rise to popularity is only the beginning.

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While Rippon has many hidden talents, we know for sure that he isn't afraid to speak his mind. He's been outspoken about Vice President Mike Pence's LGBTQ views and denied the invitation to meet with him.

He uses his digital platform to voice his opinions, but also makes time for hilarious quips on and off the ice. "I'm proud of a lot of things I've said on Twitter," he told GQ.

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Twitter isn't the only platform increasing his fanbase. Rippon posts fun behind-the-scenes of his moments in Pyeongchang, on his Instagram Stories as well.

The other day he spent more than a minute discussing to his over 216,000 followers about the generic condoms at the Olympics. Honestly, what else should athletes do on their downtime?

"I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting. I thought maybe they have like Olympic rings on them or they'll be all different colors, but no. It's all a myth," he said

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Since his rising fame, he's gained fans from celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Leslie Jones. He's also made friends with freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy and Youtuber Tyler Oakley.

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But, long friendship with fellow figure skater Mirai Nagasu shows how down-to-earth Adam truly is. Just another reason why the Winter Olympics won't be the last time we'll see him.

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So don't worry, if you want more of Adam, he'll be returning on the ice to compete in the Men's Single Skating event on Friday and Saturday. We look forward to his performance and more post-interview fun.

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