PHOTOS: Meet Alec Smith, the CrossFit athlete who just burst out of the closet

A CrossFit athlete and popular Instagrammer has come out of the closet in a candid and touching post.

Alec Smith shared his story via Instagram video, naturally, telling his 300K+ follower:

“I know this isn’t a fitness related post, but there’s been something on my mind that I’ve been wanting to talk to you guys about for a while now.”

He continued:

“I think I’m finally ready to. So, I’m gay, and I’m at a point in my life now where I’m okay with that.”

Related: Star 29-year-old athlete James Faulkner celebrates his birthday by coming out

He went on to share that he first became aware of his sexuality during adolescence and that he “hated” himself because of it.

“Ever since I was a kid, I told myself that I was never gonna tell anybody and figure it out when I’m older,” he said. “And I’m older, and I’m still figuring it out now. I still don’t really know who I am and it’s okay. It’s okay to not know who you are.”

For the many people struggling with the same issues, Alec advised:

“Don’t feel pressured into telling anybody anything you don’t have to. This is your life, you shouldn’t have to please anybody else. When the time is right, it takes some people a month and it takes some people 26 years. Focus on yourself.”

Related: Champion Israeli wrestler Nir Rotenberg wants to be a role model for queer athletes

The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Tyler Oakley wrote:

“proud of you! thank you for sharing your truth. congratulations & welcome to the fam!”

And the sentiment was repeated hundreds of times in other comments.

Watch below:

View this post on Instagram

Took a DNA test, turns out I’m gay ?

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Aug 21, 2019 at 6:56pm PDT

And just because we’re here already, here’s a taste of his other posts:

View this post on Instagram

It’s 68 degrees and there’s a 30% chance that it’s already raining ? ????????? ? @richardveytsman #Crossfit #NYC #Fitness ? Shorts: @thewodlife #TheWodLife

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Aug 11, 2019 at 2:59pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Fly with me ??? ????????? ? @jamespthames #CrossfitGames #FlyHigh

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Aug 10, 2019 at 7:10am PDT

View this post on Instagram

When you realize the Games are over ????? That post Games depression is real, anyone else agree?! ????? ????????? I am excited to settle in and relax a bit this week, and am even more excited to start preparing for next year. So much can be done between now and then. ????????? With the help of my @steadymd doctor, I’m ready to figure out what I can do between now and then to maximize my training. My doctor knows that true healthcare is not just sick care. It's working together to keep me healthy, long-term. It's extending my CrossFit career for as long as possible, and helping me optimize the way my body works. ????????? Having a doctor that not only knows my sport but who also does CrossFit themselves is a complete game changer. But it's not just for competitors. If you want a doctor that can help you make long-lasting lifestyle changes and be proactive about your health, then check out @SteadyMD. Link in my bio for more info ? ????????? ? @jonpaynephoto #CrossfitGames #Fitness #Crossfit

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Aug 7, 2019 at 9:38am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Recovery’s just as important as training ????? ????????? ? @prestonsmithphotography // @romwod

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Jun 14, 2019 at 4:03pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

The @rxsmartgear EVO Speed rope’s always got my back. Best jump rope in the fitness industry. Grab a pair of my custom made gymnastics grips while you’re over there. Won’t regret it ????

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Jan 5, 2019 at 5:03pm PST

View this post on Instagram

New season, new changes to the sport. Not really certain as to what is going to happen this year… but when nothing is certain, anything is possible. Excited for the opportunity ?? ????????? ? @76baltazar

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Sep 3, 2018 at 3:51pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Sundays – Sleeping in, eating what you want, and kicking back while binge watching multiple movies. ????????? Murder on the Orient Express followed by Hitman’s body guard. What should I watch after? ?

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on Aug 19, 2018 at 1:44pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Struggle leads to strength. God uses every situation to make you better. ??????? ??????? ? @crossfitgames

A post shared by Alec Smith (@alecsmith8) on May 21, 2016 at 4:55pm PDT

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