Published in Next Magazine, July 15, 2010
"Jack Be Nimble. Jack Be Quick."
by Jeff Kagan
by Jeff Kagan
Jack Mackenroth, decorated swimmer. No, this doesn’t refer to a sequin-speckled Speedo. The shiny metal discs are medals -- and lots of them. Jack Mackenroth has competed in every Gay Games swimming competition for the past 20 years and he’s accumulated more than 25 medals, earning at least one gold medal in each quadrennial competition.
In a few weeks, Jack, 41, will be heading to Cologne, Germany for Gay Games VIII. He’s got quite a challenge ahead of him as this year’s competition is greater, and his opponents are younger. However, he’s going into this with his head above water, knowing that he will strive to do his personal best. “The Gay Games are so important for that reason because all athletes of all levels from all around the world support each other in a way that I have never experienced at any other sporting event.”
Gay Games VIII is expected to have 10,000 athletes participating, and over a million spectators. There are 35 sports and five cultural events being offered. This is the first time the Gay Games will be held in Germany, and it also marks the event’s first return to Europe since Amsterdam Gay Games V in 1998. The openly gay German Vice Chancellor, Guido Westerwelle, is the official patron and will host the Opening Ceremony on July 31st, as Taylor Dayne performs “Facing a Miracle,” the official Gay Games VIII anthem.
Mackenroth has kicked up the intensity in his training. Recently, at the U.S. Nationals, he came pretty close to some of his previous best times. He’s hoping to bring home some more hardware but he feels it’s really more about the competition and the experience. “My fondest memories of the Gay Games are from my first, in Vancouver, in 1990. I had just come out to my mom and I remember having to tell my aunt and uncle who lived in Vancouver that I would like to stay with them because I was coming there to participate in the Gay Games.”
For many athletes, the Gay Games brings a very personal connection between their sexuality and their ability to succeed at something they love. For Mackenroth, this couldn’t be more true. “I will never forget the moment of walking into the stadium during the parade of athletes in the opening ceremony. I had never been around so many people like myself and after years of torment, to have a stadium full of spectators cheering for me was indescribable. I was literally moved to tears. I have been an avid supporter of the Gay Games ever since.”
After competing, Mackenroth plans to relax a little, watching some of the other sports. “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen same-sex pairs figure skating and synchronized swimming. Amazing.”
Gay Games VIII is July 31 through August 7, 2010. For more information, go to www.games-cologne.de. Learn more abouyt Jack Mackenroth at jackmackenroth.com.
Quickies
Need-a-Lay-Up: The Natutral Burn Killahz topped Gym Bar 37-36 (in overtime) in what was one of the most exciting games in the history of the NYC Gay Basketball League. “Three Point” Timo (game high 17 points) stole the ball with 1.9 seconds left and was fouled driving to the basket with no time left. In overtime Evan Ignall continued his huge defensive play-blocking shots, as Ed “Oh My God” Mangosing turned in to Reggie Miller and hit 2 huge three-pointers leading his team to victory. More at www.nycgaybasketball.org.
Gay Vollies: The Gotham Volleyball's 4th week of summer league play gave us a major upset in Division A, with upstart 6th-place Team 2 (Obvious winner of the Most Creative Team Name Award), captained by Shawn Moore, won a surprising upset against the 1st place Team Empanada X, captained by Manny Ciccone, taking two of three sets, 21-19, 22-19, 18-22. In Division B, the 1st and 2nd place teams continue to roll over the competition Team Juicy Fruits, captained by Michael Chia, crushed the last place Team Meet the Fockers, captained by James Costantino, winning all 3 sets, 25-16, 25-11, 25-9. Not to be outdone, 2nd place Team 4*RO*CIOUS* captained by E.J. Weppler, defeated the 7th place Power Rangers, captained by Dan Miron, taking 2 out of 3 sets, 23-12, 22-12, 17-22. More at www.gothamvolleyball.org.
Balls Flying By My Face: The Mariah Scareys continue their tradition of always being the bride’s-maid and never the bride. They may have taken 2nd in the Spring Dodgeball Tournament for NYCSSC, but in the summer league they continue to sweep up the competition amongst the mostly straight and mostly agro teams. The only gay team amongst the bunch, the Mariah Scareys are quietly making a name for themselves by kicking some serious dodgeball ass and looking damn fine while doing so. BAD! is hosting some fun kickball tournaments this summer at Passannante Playground, 6th Avenue @ Houston Street, Sunday, July 18 from 3pm-6pm and Sunday, August 15 at 3pm-6pm. $5/player. More at www.bigappledodgeball.org.
