Olympic Athletes Gary Hall Jr. and Dan Veatch set for 2011 Equality California Swim for Equality

It’s obvious why I loved to watch swimming champion Gary Hall Jr. compete in several Summer Olympics – the guy has such a great head of hair and a big toothy smile.

What I did not know, and am so happy to know now, is that Gary is an LGBT ally!

The winner of ten Olympic medals (5 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), Gary will be among the up to 50 swimmers who will join Equality California on Sept. 24 for the Second Annual Swim for Equality off the coast of Malibu to raise funds for and awareness about the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality in the state of California.

“Issues of LGBT equality hit particularly close to home, as I have friends who are LGBT, some of whom have been afraid to come out of the closet,” Gary said in a statement. “I see the work that Equality California is doing as so important to the welfare of my friends and all LGBT people.”

While Gary is straight, an openly gay former Olympian is also participating: Dan Veatch!

The oh-so-handsome Dan was a member of the United States team at the 1988 Olympics  in Seoul and finished seventh in the 200-meter backstroke, his specialist event. He won the 200 m backstroke at the Pan Pacific Games in Brisbane in 1987 and again in Tokyo in 1989. He pulled his hamstring just before the 200 m US Trials for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Participants may register for the swim as individuals or as part of a team and commit to raising a minimum of $2000 per person to benefit Equality California. The Swim will be immediately followed by a Finish Line Pool Party Celebration at the home of Nathan Barr, True Blood music composer and OUT 100 recipient.

The swim will start at 7200 Westward Beach/Point Dume, Tower 1, Malibu. Finish at Zuma Lifeguard Headquarters, 30050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. To be eligible, participants must be able to swim one mile comfortably in open water in 50 minutes or less and must have completed at least two open water swims. To register or for more information visit www.eqca.org/swim