He’s become a support system that I never knew I needed,’ Wolverines gymnast Charlie Larson says about his boyfriend, an athlete and cheerleader.
A month ago, University of Michigan gymnast Charlie Larson teased that he had a boyfriend, but was coy as to who it was. This weekend, the soft launch became a hard launch when Larson showed pictures of the two of them on social media.
“He truly is the best thing to ever happen to me and a genuine good person,” Larson told Outsports after his Instagram post showing photos of him and his man.
Larson did not want to reveal too much about his beau for privacy reasons, but did tell Outsports that his name is Matthew, a CrossFit athlete and coach as well as a cheerleader on the Michigan cheer team.
“He is truly one of a kind,” Larson said about Matthew. “I’ve never been in a relationship because of how hectic my life is, but he’s become a support system that I never knew I needed. I can feel myself growing with him … I’m learning to find myself outside of gymnastics as he values me as Charlie and not just a gymnast.”
While we’re all suckers for a love story, this one resonates with LGBTQ people, especially athletes, since historically people have felt a need to censor their private lives. Just being out and being oneself is powerful, especially for male athletes. Larson is being a role model simply be being himself.
As for the unfolding reveal, Larson said: “I was so eager to share him to the world, but I wanted him to myself for a little bit.”
Michigan is gearing up for its 2026 gymnastics season starting in early January, and Larson, a junior, will be instrumental as the Wolverines look to repeat as NCAA champions. As a sophomore, Larson was named an NCAA All-American, winning the floor exercise five times in meets.
