Canadian figure skater Eric Radford becomes first openly gay man to win gold at Winter Olympics

Radford took gold at the Pyeongchang Games in the team figure skating event with his partner Meagan Duhamel

Eric Radford in action with Meagan Duhamel (Getty)

Canadian figure skater Eric Radford has become the first openly gay man to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

Radford, 33, took gold at the Pyeongchang Games in the team figure skating event with his partner Meagan Duhamel, and said he “might explode with pride” after his routine set to Adele’s Hometown Glory finished first.

After his win, Radford wrote on Twitter: “This is amazing! I literally feel like I might explode with pride.”

Later, he shared a picture of himself with Rippon, along with the hashtag “#outandproud”.

Angela Ruggiero, the head of the International Olympics Committee's Athletes Commission, praised Radford’s “fantastic” achievement.

“[He's] paving the way to send a really positive message globally to say that everyone should be accepted and that everyone should be able to compete at the Olympic Games,” he said.

US skater Adam Rippon, who is the first openly gay athlete to be selected for the US Winter Olympics team, meanwhile won bronze in the same event at the Gangneung Ice Arena.

The pair join openly bisexual Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust, who has won 10 medals including golds from four consecutive Winter Olympics.