Exy’s newest power couple, and the kiss that changed the world.


Exy’s newest power couple, and the kiss that changed the world.

USA's Neil Josten and Andrew Minyard on Olympic Gold, the future of Exy, and the kiss that changed everything.

On August 8th, 2021, the final day of the Toyko Olympic games, the USA were taking their place on the podium to receive what they had dreamed of for so long: an Exy gold medal. Members of the line-up included Kevin Day, world-famous striker and son of Kayleigh Day, alongside Matt Boyd, Thea Muldani, and many more of Exy’s best and brightest. It was an emotional moment: tears were shed, flags were waved, and it was at this moment that two young men changed the face of exy forever.

We are talking, of course, about Neil Josten and Andrew Minyard. Subject to endless rumors surrounding their private life, a certain sect of the internet for a long time maintained that the pair were secretly in a relationship. Most had given up on ever receiving confirmation of this when, before the eyes of the world, Minyard and Josten shared a kiss on the Olympic podium.

Minyard and Josten are far from the first queer exy players to achieve fame  – also on the US team are Laila Dermott and Sara Alverez, whom have recently adopted a son together. Notable outwith the USA’s team in this tournament is Australia’s Sammy Lea Lewis, who uses they/them pronouns, and Chris Edwards of South Africa, who has played alongside his twin sister Chantal since long before his transition. However, Minyard and Josten – or “Andreil” as their fans have dubbed them – have taken LGBT sports to new heights with a kiss that cannot be ignored.

“They used to cut out our hugs on some international broadcasts,” recalls Laila Dermott, who has been playing alongside her partner Sara since her college days. “I remember watching replays and noticing how weird it was when the camera suddenly cut away. And we weren’t even kissing! It was just that they knew we were gay and they didn’t want the slightest hint of it on their screens.”

Times have changes since then, but not enough: while countries like the US boast the most diverse Exy teams of any sport, there are many more that don’t even allow for mixed-gender leagues at any significant level.

Each and every one of these countries was broadcasting a live feed of the exy awards ceremony, meaning there was no opportunity to edit or cut away when Minyard and Josten leaned in for their historic kiss. To be crowned world champions in one moment and come out in the next was, literally, game changing: exy will never be straight-washed again.

For Josten and Minyard, however, it was never meant to be a statement: it was just what they wanted to do.

“It wasn’t a plan, it wasn’t something we discussed before. It was just what we wanted in that moment. I still don’t see what the fuss is about,” Josten says. He and Minyard have agreed to be interviewed in the few scant hours they have left before they return to home soil, the last of their teammates to do so. If their delayed return was to allow them time to enjoy a romantic post-Olympic holiday together, they don’t admit it, although the pair are both sporting reasonable tans and an air of satisfaction. “Dermott and Alvarez have been out for years. Go bug them.”

Unfortunately, Dermott and Alvarez made their escape several days prior, meaning that the final post-final interview falls to Minyard and Josten. So, how do they feel about the legions of fans who are now looking to them as role models?

“We met some fans the other day who asked us to sign their rainbow stuff. That was cool, I guess,” Josten answers. “But role models? Us? No, no thanks. It feels like a sham, like, I’ve never really identified with the community or anything. I’m not into men, I’m just into Andrew. Nothing else matters.”

It is at this point that Minyard digresses. “Gay,” he says, pointing to himself. Josten laughs.

“Okay, yeah, so that’s just me.”

Not necessarily: the LGBT community has a flag for almost everyone and everything, with space for ace and aro identities of every kind. Perhaps now that he’s out, Josten will have the opportunity to find his place there.

“Oh, yeah, like demi. I’ve heard of that one,” Josten says. “I mean, the word didn’t even exist back in 2006 or whenever when I was figuring this stuff out. But it sounds right.”

And now we turn, as Josten is likely eager to do so, to exy, with some questions sent in by their fans. Olympic gold medallists: how does it feel? @hyvcinthus asks how it felt to be standing on that podium after working towards it for so long.

“Like every annoying criticism Kevin has ever given me is finally worthwhile.”

“Disagree,” Andrew says.

What was their greatest challenge as players in this tournament?

“Adapting to all the different styles and plays from around the world was crazy. And having to play backliner in the final. I haven’t had to do that since college.”

Andrew’s answer is less to do with playing than it is his partner: “Keeping Neil off the court while he was concussed.”

Speaking of which – many are now claiming that Neil’s absence from practice after his injury as well as not appearing in the first quarter of the final was a deliberate tactic to throw off Japan’s strategizing. Is there any truth to that?

“The concussion was real, if that’s what you’re asking. But we might have capitalized on the confusion a little. As much as it pained me to miss practice, being seen watching a match with Robin at the same time I was meant to be training was – well, Coach suggested that it could be helpful to the team.”

“We needed Robin to babysit him otherwise he’d crack his skull open trying to sneak back into training a day early,” Andrew clarifies.

Our next question - from @Maddiso57636966 - is this: what’s it like playing in Japan?

“Hot,” they both answer at once. “There’s mochi,” Andrew adds.

“We have that at home.”

“It isn’t as good there.”

Where would they be if not playing exy? @bluerised wants to know.

“Dead,” says Josten.

“Bartending,” Minyard answers. “Or prison.”

@Caraleadraws wants to know their opinions on the other teams and players – and Josten isn’t shy to offer them.

“Most of the teams were fine,” he says significantly. “I made friends with a few of the Philippines players, they were blowing up my phone all night after I got concussed, which was sweet. I was sad that we never got to Australia, though. Jean introduced me to a few of their players, and they have a brilliantly chaotic playing style that reminds me of our college team. Hopefully next time around we’ll get the chance to kick their asses.”

And the teams they didn’t get along with?

“The French were pissed when they realised Kevin and I were translating their insults for everyone, which was pretty funny. Clearly Jean hadn’t bothered to warn them about us. And then there was Kiyoko trying to play mind games with us, digging up history we buried years ago. She knew she didn’t stand a chance against us, so she tried to throw us off before we even stepped foot on the court. It was pathetic, really.”

Our next question comes from @crumplelush: Do you think your personal relationship helped you to succeed on the court?

“Yes,” answers Josten, at the same time that Minyard answers, “No.”

The two hold a brief staring match, before Minyard concedes, “Maybe.”

And what are your goals for the future? @ExyGays wants to know what is next in their Exy journey.

“I wouldn’t say no to a few more medals,” Josten answers. “Also, this is my favourite username so far.”

Andrew pauses for a beat before saying, “Cats.”

Did you have fun? Asks @Lyndis_Cealin.

“Yes,” Josten says. “Maybe the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Minyard rolls his eyes. When pressed for an answer, he replies, “Maybe.”

With the taxi due to take them to the airport at any moment, it’s time to wrap up. I ask them if they enjoyed the remainder of their time in Japan, free at last from the pressure of training and game prep.

“Oh, sure,” says Neil as he shows me to the door. “I couldn’t have asked for a better honeymoon.”

We at @ExyOlympics wish the Minyard-Jostens many more medals, cats, and kisses to come.

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