Quinn is a Canadian soccer player who became the first out, trans, non-binary athlete to compete at the Olympics & the first to earn a gold medal.
Quinn began their playing career at Duke University, with the midfielder becoming the first Canadian to play for the Duke Blue Devils. At this time, Quinn was named as part of the Canadian soccer team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, with the team winning a bronze medal. Quinn had previously represented Canada on the under-17, under-20 & under-23 teams.
In 2018, Quinn became the highest drafted Canadian in NWSL history when they were selected third overall by Washington Spirit in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. The following season saw Quinn move to Paris FC, with them wanting to play in Europe before the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. Canada came second in the group stage, with the team being knocked out in the Round of 16 by an impressive Swedish side.
In 2020, Quinn returned to the United States, signing for Seattle based side OL Reign. That same year, Quinn came out as non-binary, adopting they/them pronouns & changing their name to a mononym. They were met with acceptance from both their teammates at OL Reign & the Canadian national team.
Quinn was named in the 18–player roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in June 2021 by Canada Head Coach Bev Priestman. With them starting in Canada’s opening group game, this meant Quinn became the first openly trans & non-binary athlete to compete at the Olympics. Of the historic moment, they said, “I feel proud seeing ‘Quinn’ up on the lineup. I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of this world. I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature, changes in rules, structures, & mindsets.”
With Canada winning the final game on penalties, Quinn became the first out trans, & non-binary gold medallist in Olympic history.
In 2023, Quinn was one of a number of Canadian players who protested Canada Soccer over pay equality & major funding cuts six months before the World Cup. In the opening game of the SheBelieves Cup, the team wore purple t-shirts with the phrase ‘enough is enough’.