It’s hard to think of a more supportive combination than Sam Phillips and a good pair of underwear.
We promise the analogy makes sense. Allow us to explain…
The champion gymnast and his Adonis-like bod are starring in a special Pride campaign for PUMP! Underwear. Dressed in bright orange gym shorts and nothing else–besides, we imagine, a pair of PUMP! undies–Phillips shares what makes him feel powerful during Pride month and beyond.
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His message both lightens and inspires.
“Just being myself and living my authentic, true life,” he says. “Being surrounded by community, and us uplifting each other to our fullest potential. It’s just amazing.”
As a high-profile NCAA athlete, Phillips uses his platform to inspire other young LGBTQ+ gymnasts looking for role models. He was especially aware of his power at the University of Nebraska, where he was the only out athlete.
Despite enduring taunts and micro-aggressions from some teammates and an assistant coach, the SoCal native rose to the ranks of team captain.
“It was very important for me growing up to see someone like me do everything, and be themselves while excelling,” he previously told Queerty. “That was always a thing in my head. I saw queer gymnasts, but they didn’t talk about it as much. … Me being able to talk about it, while being captain and being successful on the floor was very important to me. I wanted younger kids to see that and know it’s OK to be yourself. There are no boundaries.”
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A two-time All-American, Phillips was a leader on Nebraska’s flagship campus. He never shies way from expressing his queer identity, whether he’s sprawling out for a photo shoot in L.A. or lip-syncing a SZA song at the end of a rings routine.
For Phillips, who was named one of our sister site INTO’s “25 under 25” this year, our beauty lies in our contrasts.
“My thing in gymnastics is, when I compete, I’m a really big guy. I have a lot of muscles. I’ll get loud. I’ll get big after an event,” he says in the PUMP! video. “But I also do some fun things, like kiss the camera. It’s limitless how you could express yourself.”
Phillips says he receives his biggest rush from disproving stereotypes. “I love changing people’s minds, and them seeing me as a masculine man, yet I’m doing more feminine stuff,” he adds. “Just switching it up.”
Phillips switched up his own life last year, when he transferred to the University of Illinois to finish his collegiate gymnastics career. But a ruptured Achilles tendon prevented him from finishing the season.
Nevertheless, Phillips stayed visible. He promoted his own mini-doc and continued to melt the camera, all while spreading unabashed joy.
“This is me: Free, Authentic, Creative, Raw, Vulnerable, Lively…Bold, Precise, Experimental,” he posted on Instagram. “This is my life. This is my view. This is my self-expression.”
Having modeled for apparel giants such as Adidas, Steve Madden and Wish, Phillips is comfortable in the limelight. The 23-year-old is entering the prime of his physical life, and doesn’t see the benefit of subtlety.
He’s loud and proud!
“I just love strutting,” he says. “To me, it’s just a testament of my discipline, my work ethic and my strive to just be the best, and achieve greatness.”
When Phillips returns to the mat for the 2025-26 season, he’ll be strutting his stuff on his own turf. We can’t wait.
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