Pride Pioneer: Gay Athlete Alec Smith's Top Priority With Fiancé — Not Marriage

A Journey of Courage and Love

Six years ago, Alec Smith took a bold step by sharing an emotional video with over 300,000 Instagram followers. In that video, he publicly came out as gay, not only to his followers but also to the broader CrossFit community. His story resonated deeply with many individuals who had faced similar struggles with denial, fear, and eventual self-acceptance.

At the time, Smith was competing at the highest level in CrossFit, a sport that offered very little representation for gay or bisexual men. His courage inspired others to embrace their true selves, showing that strength and authenticity could coexist.

In recent years, Smith has had to step back from competitive CrossFit due to arthritis in his hip. Despite this challenge, he has found happiness and love with Riley Hedstrom, a fellow fitness enthusiast. The couple has been engaged for three years, and their relationship is a testament to their shared values and support for one another.

Priorities Beyond Marriage

While a wedding day is on the horizon, it’s not the couple’s immediate priority. Smith recently appeared on the fourth episode of “Out of Bounds,” a new podcast series hosted by HYROX athlete Jake Williamson and Pridefit app founder Sam Leicht. The conversation delved into various topics, including their personal lives and future plans.

Smith and Hedstrom have been working towards starting a family since 2022. However, their journey has not been without challenges. They experienced seven failed embryo transfers and eventually ran out of embryos. The emotional and financial toll of these experiences has left them in a difficult position, trying to figure out their next steps.

“We’re still recovering from that and trying to figure out what our next steps are,” Smith said. “Weddings are not cheap… and I think No. 1 for us is starting a family and then eventually having some type of celebration or ceremony or something. So, I think our order is a little bit different than traditional people’s orders are.”

Family Expectations and Financial Challenges

Smith hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, while Hedstrom comes from Minnesota. Hedstrom’s large extended family brings additional expectations, which the couple is mindful of as they plan their future. The family hosts significant events, such as annual Christmas Eve parties with over 100 attendees. Smith admits he’s still learning names after five years of attending these gatherings.

“They have yearly Christmas Eve parties that like are well over 100 people… I’m still learning names after five years of going!” Smith joked. He described Hedstrom’s family as “super sweet” and “all so loving and great.” However, the financial aspect of these events has become a point of concern for the couple.

Coming Out and Community Response

On the podcast, Smith reflected on the reactions to his coming-out video in 2019. He mentioned receiving numerous direct messages and comments from people curious about his sexuality. While the pressure was intense, he felt it was important to take ownership of his narrative. Although there were negative responses, Smith focused on the positive impact of his openness.

“The community was the biggest part… there were so many DMs and comments that just brought tears to my eyes and made me so happy that I had shared that video and shared that part of my life with them. It was great,” he said. “Obviously there were negative sides, but I try not to focus on those because the positives are so much better.”

Inspiration from Other Athletes

When asked about out gay athletes he looked up to, Smith mentioned Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy. Kenworthy had made headlines when he kissed his boyfriend on the Olympic stage during the Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, the previous year.

“The first one that pops in my head is Gus kissing his boyfriend at the time on the Olympic stage. That was so cool to see because it was the first time an Olympian had done that publicly,” Smith explained.

Looking Ahead

Smith’s story is one of resilience, love, and authenticity. As he continues to navigate life with Hedstrom, he remains focused on what matters most: building a family and creating a future filled with joy and support. Their journey highlights the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of challenges.

For those interested in hearing more of Smith’s story, the full conversation can be found on the “Out of Bounds” podcast.