Back view of an athletic swimmer with short black hair standing by the edge of an indoor swimming pool.

Competitive swimmer and television personality

Michael Gunning

Best known for Representing Jamaica in international swimming and LGBTQ+ advocacy in sports

Born: 1994
From: British-Jamaican
Working since: 2014

Michael Gunning is a former international competitive swimmer who represented both Great Britain and Jamaica during his athletic career. Born in London, Gunning rose through the British national swimming ranks as a youth competitor before choosing to represent Jamaica at senior international competitions, setting multiple national records in butterfly and freestyle events.

After publicly coming out as gay in 2018, Gunning became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity in aquatic sports. Following his retirement from competitive swimming in 2022, he transitioned into broadcasting, event hosting, and charity ambassador roles.

Follows: X @MichaelGunning1 · instagram @michaelgunning1

Latest: Adam Peaty's Pal Michael Gunning Clears the Air Over Holly Ramsay Wedding Snub · 12 September 2026

Michael Gunning in brief

—Represented Jamaica at the 2017 and 2019 World Aquatics Championships.
—Held Jamaican national records in the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle.
—Came out publicly on the reality television dating show The Bi Life in 2018.
—Retired from competitive swimming in 2022 to focus on broadcasting and advocacy.

Latest on Michael Gunning

Adam Peaty attends an evening red carpet event amid wedding plans with Holly Ramsay.

Sports & Celebs12 September 2026

Adam Peaty's Pal Michael Gunning Clears the Air Over Holly Ramsay Wedding Snub

By Marcus Hale

Adam Peaty's former teammate Michael Gunning insists there is zero bad blood after missing out on an invite to the Olympic swimmer's wedding to Holly Ramsay.