Love on the Mat: Michigan Gymnast Charlie Larson Finds His Champion in CrossFit Athlete Beau

If you think college athletics is all sweat, grit, and steely-eyed focus, you haven’t met Charlie Larson. The University of Michigan gymnast isn’t just racking up points for the Wolverines; he’s scoring major wins for queer visibility in collegiate sports. Larson’s recent public celebration of his relationship with his boyfriend, Beau—a CrossFit athlete and cheerleader—has struck a chord in the LGBTQ+ community, resonating far beyond the gym mats and into the hearts of queer youth everywhere .

For many queer athletes, the journey to self-acceptance can be as challenging as mastering a double backflip. Larson’s story, however, is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the universe throws you a safety net in the form of love.

“He’s become a support system that I never knew I needed,” Larson shared, speaking candidly about the transformative power of his relationship with Beau . Their connection began, as so many modern queer romances do, with a simple message online. But what started as casual conversation quickly blossomed into a partnership grounded in athletic ambition, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of what it means to be queer in a world that often demands conformity .

The fact that both men are athletes isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a source of strength. As Larson puts it, “He just gets it. The pressure, the training, the expectations—having someone who not only supports me but truly understands the grind makes all the difference” .

Larson’s decision to make his relationship public is more than a personal milestone; it’s a beacon for LGBTQ+ athletes still navigating the tightrope between authenticity and acceptance. In a sporting landscape where “don’t ask, don’t tell” mentalities have long lingered, seeing two male athletes openly celebrate their love is nothing short of revolutionary .

His social media posts—beaming smiles, post-workout selfies, and snapshots of everyday intimacy—send a powerful message to queer youth: You can be both unapologetically yourself and at the top of your game. “I want to be the person I needed to see when I was younger,” Larson explained, echoing a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who’s ever searched the stands for a sign that they belonged .

There’s a long tradition of queer athletes finding solace and solidarity in each other, but rarely do we get to see these relationships celebrated in real time, with all the joy and complexity they deserve. Larson and Beau are flipping that script. Their story is a reminder that queer love stories aren’t just about overcoming adversity—they’re about thriving, laughing, and building futures together, one rep at a time .

For the wider LGBTQ+ community, these moments of visibility matter. When athletes like Larson and Beau step into the spotlight together, they challenge the tired tropes of the lonely, isolated queer athlete, and offer instead a narrative of connection, strength, and mutual empowerment .

Of course, the impact of their visibility goes far beyond the LGBTQ+ community. In the hyper-masculine world of college sports, seeing two men openly support and love each other chips away at outdated ideas of what it means to be an athlete—and a man. As more athletes like Larson and Beau come out and share their stories, the boundaries of “acceptable” masculinity continue to expand, making space for vulnerability, affection, and self-expression .

It’s a change that’s not lost on Larson, who credits his relationship with helping him feel “more grounded than ever.” For queer athletes still waiting in the wings, that message is as uplifting as any medal ceremony.

Larson’s journey is far from over. With the Wolverines season well underway, he’s got plenty of routines left to perfect—and, no doubt, more Instagram-worthy moments with Beau to share. But perhaps his biggest legacy won’t be measured in scores, but in the young queer athletes who see his story and realize, for the first time, that their dreams and their love lives are not mutually exclusive .

In a world that still too often tells LGBTQ+ people to dim their light, Charlie Larson is proving that joy, pride, and love deserve a standing ovation.