#LGBTInnovators - Cyclist Graeme Obree (The Flying Scotsman)

2nd February 2016

Graeme Obree (Born in 1965), nicknamed The Flying Scotsman, is a Scottish racing cyclist who twice broke the world hour record, in July 1993 and April 1994, and was the individual pursuit world champion in 1993 and 1995. 

He was known for his unusual riding positions and for the Old Faithful bicycle he built which included parts from a washing machine. His life and exploits have been dramatised in the film The Flying Scotsman.

In January 2011, Obree came out publicly as gay in an interview with the Scottish Sun. Speaking about his sexual orientation Obree said: “I was brought up by a war generation; they grew up when gay people were put in jail. Being homosexual was so unthinkable that you just wouldn’t be gay.”

Leap Sports is spotlighting #LGBTInnovators in sport throughout LGBT History Month this February. We will celebrate a different LGBTI innovator in sport each day. LGBTI sports innovators include athletes, competitors, coaches, managers, community members, founders or co-ordinators of sports groups, someone passionate about their sport.

Got an LGBTI innovator in sport that you would like to shine a light on?

Use your imagination and join the conversation using the hashtag #LGBTInnovators on Twitter @Leapsports and Facebook facebook.com/leapsports

Find out more about LGBT History Month at www.lgbthistory.org.uk