Justin Rabon and Brad Neumann are athletes representing the University of Minnesota’s track team.

They are also both gay and have been together for more than two years.

A post shared by Brad Neumann (@bradneums) on May 16, 2017 at 5:17pm PDT

Now they have told their story in two very personal essay for OutSports, to celebrate Pride month.

Rabon and Neumann had met in high school already – although at that point, they were still opponents and did not know about each other.

A post shared by Justin Rabon (@jayyrayy_) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:18pm PDT

‘At first, we didn’t know each other was gay,’ Neumann said.

‘In fact, I just knew him as Justin, the kid who unrightfully took my 200-meter state title because I false started.’

Almost 4 years of Happy Birthday’s later and you’re still the same Taco Bell loving dork I met way back when. I’m so glad you messaged me first on Facebook senior year of high school 😉 💙 Fitz and I Love you A post shared by Justin Rabon (@jayyrayy_) on May 8, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT

Their love story finally started in late 2014, around Thanksgiving, when they came out to each other via text – first Rabon, and then Neumann replied by also coming out.

‘We would talk for hours about everything, each of us being 100% ourselves for the first time in our entire lives,’ Neumann said.

‘At first we were just friends, talking freely and getting to know each other, but I started to care more and more for this man every day.

‘He made it possible for me to be happy again. He gave me a reason to smile.’

A post shared by Brad Neumann (@bradneums) on Apr 19, 2017 at 4:44pm PDT

Shortly after coming out to each other, the couple started dating.

It was a long-distance relationship at first.

While Neumann ran for Minnesota’s Golden Gophers, Rabon was at the University of Wisconsin – but not for long, because he transferred to his boyfriend’s university.

A post shared by Justin Rabon (@jayyrayy_) on Feb 14, 2017 at 10:22am PST

‘The move to Minnesota was the “fresh start” I’d always seen on television shows and movies, but I didn’t realize was an actual thing,’ he said.

‘I decided to start everything new and not be this secretive person, so the friends I made knew everything about me from the get-go. I couldn’t go through the feeling of being someone other than myself any longer.’

Now, two-and-a-half years later, they run together instead of against each other.

‘We are still together, we are still in love, we are both out, and we are both proud of who we are,’ Neumann said.

‘He has pushed me beyond the limits I thought were possible for myself and has shown me that no matter where you come from and what your circumstances are, you deserve to be happy and real with yourself.’

A post shared by Brad Neumann (@bradneums) on May 30, 2017 at 5:09pm PDT

And while their teammates were really positive about having not just gay athletes, but a gay couple on their team, Neumann said it is still important the couple have each other.

‘I love my family, friends, and teammates, but they cannot relate to the things closeted gay athletes go through,’ he said.

‘I have gotten almost universally positive feedback from all of them, but I really owe all of my contentment in my life to Justin. Without him, I would still be living a lie to everyone around me, including myself.’

A post shared by Justin Rabon (@jayyrayy_) on May 21, 2016 at 10:52am PDT

And Rabon echoed the sentiment in his essay, too.

‘I’ve just realized that people can see through a facade if you are putting one up,’ he said.

‘And once the real you is able to be seen, everyone will notice and nothing can stop you.’