Olympic Champion Ellia Green Reflects on Life-Changing Moment After Coming Out as Transgender

Ellia Green, once a celebrated winger for Australia's gold-medal-winning women's rugby sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has emerged as a powerful voice for transgender visibility and inclusion in sports. Green, who transitioned after retiring from international rugby, recently described his coming out as a transgender man as the most affirming and life-changing decision of his life, marking a new chapter in both his personal and athletic journey .

Green's rugby career began in earnest after a childhood in Fiji and Australia, where he excelled at athletics before his cousins encouraged him to try rugby sevens. His speed and determination propelled him to the highest echelons of the sport, culminating in Australia's historic gold medal in Rio . However, behind the scenes, Green struggled with his gender identity, a journey he has since shared publicly in the hope of helping and inspiring others .

Upon retiring from professional rugby, Green underwent gender-affirming surgery and began hormone therapy, steps he had long anticipated but had postponed to maintain his sporting career. "I knew I couldn't do hormone therapy or surgery during my career... It's all happened so quickly," he told Reuters in a 2022 interview .

Green described his transition as a "huge" moment, not just for himself, but for the broader LGBTQ+ community. "It was the best decision of my life," Green said, emphasizing the positive impact on his mental health and the newfound confidence he has experienced since coming out . The process of sharing his story publicly was challenging, but Green believes visibility is essential: "Realizing that sharing my experience could be lifesaving for others is what compelled me to go public" .

Now, Green is back on the rugby field, this time with the Sydney Convicts, a team known for its inclusive ethos and prominence in Australia's LGBTQ+ sporting landscape . Competing as a man, Green has found renewed purpose and joy in the sport he loves. "After four years, the rugby field feels like home again," Green shared in a recent interview, reflecting on the nerves and excitement of returning to play against other men after his transition .

Green's involvement with the Sydney Convicts has been both personally affirming and socially significant. The club is recognized for its leadership in promoting inclusivity and challenging stereotypes, and Green's presence has further broadened its impact . "The greatest thing you can do is to love yourself and be proud of it," Green stated, hoping his journey will inspire others struggling with their identity to embrace self-acceptance .

Beyond his athletic comeback, Green is now a passionate advocate for transgender inclusion in sports. He has spoken candidly about the harm caused by exclusionary policies and the importance of fostering sporting environments where transgender and gender-diverse people can participate without fear or discrimination . Green delivered opening remarks at an international summit on ending transphobia and homophobia in sport, which was held in Ottawa as part of the Bingham Cup—often referred to as the World Cup of "gay and inclusive rugby" .

Reflecting on the period after being left off the Olympic team, Green admitted to experiencing isolation and depression but found hope in his plans for transition and the support of his partner and family . Now a proud parent, Green's story resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those facing barriers to inclusion in sport.

Green continues to use his voice to challenge stigma and advocate for greater understanding. "I just hope that anything that I've shared can inspire someone, give them hope just to know that the greatest thing you can do is to love yourself and be proud of it," he said in a recent interview, underscoring his commitment to outreach and positive representation .

Ellia Green's journey from Olympic champion to advocate for transgender rights and inclusion in sport represents a landmark moment in both sporting and LGBTQ+ history. By sharing his truth and returning to the rugby pitch, Green has become a beacon of hope for transgender athletes everywhere, challenging outdated norms and paving the way for a more inclusive future .