Italian swimmer Rachele Bruni has been having a pretty stellar week.
Not only did she earn her first Olympics medal, but she also proudly came out after her incredible achievement.
The swimmer, who came in second at the women's 10km swimming marathon at the Rio Olympics and is an eight-time European champion, dedicated her silver medal to her friends, family and her girlfriend, Diletta Faina.
“I dedicate this victory to my family, my coach and my beloved, who have followed and supported me,” Bruni said.
Rachele Bruni wins the silver medal at the women's 10km swimming marathon (Photo by Tim de Waele/Corbis via Getty Images)
When asked by the Italian press to clarify if by "beloved," she meant Faina, Bruni confirmed that she did.
"I've always lived naturally, without problems. I've never done a big coming out," Bruni said, according to Italy's La Stampa, as reported by Daily Dot. "Undoubtedly there are people who have too many prejudices, but I live peacefully. I do not think about the prejudices, I live for myself, for my passion for swimming and for the people who love me."
According to OutSports, Bruni is the only out LGBT Olympian on Team Italy and according to Pride.com, she's the 49th out athlete competing at the Rio Olympics.
Italy only legalized same-sex civil unions last month, making it the last country in Western Europe to do so.
Although media coverage of the Games has been controversial — including a Daily Beast article that baited and effectively outed several gay athletes — there have been many reasons to celebrate.
Volunteer Marjorie Enya (R) and rugby player Isadora Cerullo of Brazil smile after becoming engaged following the Women's Gold Medal Rugby Sevens match between Australia and New Zealand on August 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Earlier in the Games, Brazilian rugby player Isadora Cerullo got engaged to her girlfriend of two years, Marjorie Enya, after playing Australia for the gold medal. (Brazil ended up with silver.) And British race walker Tom Bosworth asked his partner Harry Dineley to marry him this week.
"The Olympic Games can look like closure but, for me, it's starting a new life with someone," Enya said. "I wanted to show people that love wins."
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