VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

Nicole Struse

Table tennis player Nicole Struse is a German record holder and record player for the national team. In addition, she won numerous European Championship titles. She has been successful in single as well as doubles with the team. Between 1992 and 2004 Nicole took part in 4 Olympic Summer Games. At the end of 1995, she was the leader in the European rankings list. Nicole is currently playing for the SV Boeblingen in the table tennis national league.


Games cologne: Why are you committing yourself to the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010?
Nicole Struse: Contact was made through some comrades who told me: “Hey, you are living in Cologne!” And then somebody asked me to be ambassador and I said “Of course!” because I wanted to be a part of it too. I want to take part of it as an active person and if I could help otherwise, that would be good.

GC: Were you well aware that you wanted to support the Gay Games when you heard about them?
NS: I was aware that I wanted to be part of it. Then somebody asked me to do the ambassador stuff and I think it would just fit….

GC: What is it you are enthusiastic about at the Gay Games?
NS: For me it´s the statement “we are here and compete peacefully at sport” and the competition idea. But essentially I just see it as a “come together”, we come together, all countries, all sports and that means one is here……

GC: Are you taking part at one of the sport or cultural events during the Gay Games VIII?
NS: I would love to play tennis or badminton. Besides; I don´t know what else I am going to do….

GC: In many sports homosexuality still is a taboo. What experiences have you had yourself with this subject?
NS: Especially among men it´s partly like this, that it´s not allowed to talk about and with table tennis it´s an open secret, if you are “it”, you are “it”, but nobody talks about “it”. I think it should be normal and the Gay Games cause the people to become aware of the subject and notice: “Hey, these are all normal people!”

GC: What do you expect from or wish for the Gay Games VIII?
NS: I wish for a peaceful gathering. Heteros can take part as well as the local Cologners and all can have a lot of fun, not only the participants. That it will be a wonderful festival, and over all, that all organizational matters run smoothly.

GC:  Finally you may want to express a wish to the participants, organizers, spectators and all people involved with the Gay Games VIII?
NS: Live and let live and have a lot of fun together!