Seamus Derbyshire Breaks Barriers on and off the Track

Seamus Derbyshire, 25, has emerged as one of Great Britain’s most compelling new talents in track and field. Selected to compete in the men’s 400-meter hurdles for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Derbyshire’s ascent is not only a triumph of athletic prowess but also a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in elite sport .

Derbyshire’s selection to the national team follows a season marked by impressive performances, including a personal best of 48.42 seconds in Geneva earlier this summer . His rapid improvement has placed him among British 400-meter hurdles greats and earned him recognition as a European U20 Championships silver medallist. But for Derbyshire, the journey to Tokyo is about more than medals—it is about bringing his full self to the track.

Derbyshire’s story resonates far beyond athletics. In interviews leading up to the championships, he has spoken candidly about the importance of authenticity and visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes. “I’m doing what I’m doing, but I’m backing it up,” Derbyshire told The Observer, referencing his viral starting line routines and unapologetic self-expression .

“I’m not putting my personality to the forefront because I don’t have anything else going for me. I’m running well and performing well because I’m comfortable in my own skin. I don’t have to switch into ‘race Seamus’ or ‘family and friends Seamus’ or ‘media Seamus’. Everyone just gets the same me now, whether I’m racing or sitting at home with my parents watching Saturday night TV. It’s all just me.”

His candidness and flair have gained him a substantial following on social media, particularly on TikTok, where his starting line routines have gone viral. This visibility has become a source of pride for many LGBTQ+ sports fans, who see Derbyshire’s success and authenticity as a sign that barriers in sport are slowly breaking down .

Derbyshire’s climb to the world stage was not without obstacles. Balancing 30-hour work weeks in a local cafe with intensive training, Derbyshire’s progress required resilience and determination . His ability to excel athletically while living openly is seen by many as a challenge to lingering stigmas within the sporting world.

In an exclusive conversation with Outsports, Derbyshire credited embracing his flamboyant side as pivotal to his performance and mental well-being. “Qualifying for Tokyo came when I accepted every part of myself, both on and off the track,” he said . His story serves as a beacon for other athletes who may feel pressure to conform or hide aspects of their identity.

Derbyshire’s presence at the World Championships is a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport. Historically, elite athletics has seen few openly queer male athletes, particularly in track events. Derbyshire’s openness is credited with encouraging conversations around inclusion and acceptance, both within British athletics and internationally.

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have praised Derbyshire for his courage and for fostering a culture where athletes are empowered to compete as their authentic selves . As international sporting federations continue to grapple with issues of equality and inclusion, Derbyshire’s journey is seen by many as a compelling argument for the importance of representation at every level.

In the weeks leading up to the World Athletics Championships, Derbyshire has set ambitious goals for himself. In a recent social media post, he outlined his aspirations not only for competitive success but for breaking new ground in how athletes are perceived and supported .

The British team’s selection for Tokyo reflects a broader commitment by UK Athletics to diversity and performance . The organization has made strides in recent years to support LGBTQ+ athletes through visibility campaigns and anti-discrimination efforts—a context that makes Derbyshire’s success all the more meaningful .

For Derbyshire, the Tokyo championships represent a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level while continuing to champion inclusion. “My hope is that when people see me on the track, they see that you can be yourself and still chase your dreams,” he said in a recent interview .

As Derbyshire prepares to step onto the track in Tokyo, his journey stands as a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and challenge convention. His story will be closely followed by fans and advocates worldwide, who see in his success the promise of a more inclusive and vibrant future for athletics.

The ripple effect of Derbyshire’s visibility may be felt for years to come, as young athletes across the globe look to his example and find the courage to pursue their passions without compromise. In the words of Derbyshire himself: “Everyone just gets the same me now.”