by ANDREA ZANIN

Martina Navratilova is almost as well known for coming out of the closet—in 1981, when being out and proud in the sports world was unheard of—as she is for being one of the greatest tennis players of all time. This year, she turned 50, launched her Web site (www.martinanavratilova.com), published a fitness book, retired from playing tennis (again) and became the spokeswoman for the Rainbow Card, which she’ll be promoting in Montreal this Friday. The Mirror caught up with her on the phone for a few minutes between tennis clinics in South Africa.

Mirror: You retired from singles competition in 1994, but came back in 2000 to compete in doubles. Since then, you’ve broken or tied several records for being the oldest winner ever—at Wimbledon and the Grand Slam for starters. You announced your retirement in July and went out with a bang, taking the mixed doubles with Bob Bryan this September at the U.S. Open. Do you think you’ll actually stick to retirement this time?

Martina Navratilova: I’m not retired! I’m just not playing tennis. I’ve been flying around the world ever since. I’m working with the sports academy in South Africa; promoting the Rainbow Card has brought me to LA twice, New York, and now Montreal. Plus, I’ve been promoting my book, and I went to see my mom in the Czech Republic, which I now have time to do. That’s the biggest impact of my decision—having the time to visit with my family. I hope to spend more time with my honey too.

M: You celebrated your 50th birthday on October 18. How does it feel?

MN: I don’t want to think about it. I’m thinking that’s pretty middle-aged. Still, they tell me 50 is the new 30, and I just have to prove it. I think I’m still proving it on the courts. In so many ways, I still feel like I’m in my twenties anyway!

M: How does that philosophy translate to the approach you take in your new fitness book, Shape Your Self?

MN: The book is for people of any age, gender and fitness level. It’s not just about how to lose weight, but how to feel better from the inside as well as from the outside. I really want to help a lot of people with the book. In America, obesity is a huge problem, for starters, so anything that can help is good! With all the knowledge out there, people are still making the wrong choices. It’s important to know you can make the right choices without sacrificing your enjoyment of life.

Chasing rainbows

M: What was it like to appear at the Outgames this summer in Montreal?

MN: It was fantastic. I’ve never seen so many gay boys that are actually athletes! No, I’m kidding… It’s always fun to be in a completely gay environment for me, because I know I’m accepted 100 per cent. It feels great being with people who are fighting for the same things you are, facing the same trials and tribulations, and the same joys. We obviously have a lot in common in terms of life experience, what we have to overcome every day. When I was at the March on Washington in 1993, it was like, “Now I know I’m doing the right thing,” and so it was at the Outgames, with an athletic twist on top of it all. Most of all, what was fun was the atmosphere, the attitude, with everybody feeling positive and excited to be there.

M: You’ve put your name behind the Rainbow Card, a Visa card that supports the Rainbow Endowment, which funds non-profit organizations serving the LGBT community, including HIV/AIDS and breast cancer groups, and queer arts, cultural and civil rights groups. How’s that going?

MN: Well, the Rainbow Endowment has given out $2-million (U.S.) in grants since 1996. I’m trying to keep raising awareness about the card—we just expanded into Canada this summer. The money that’s raised in Canada will stay in Canada and be managed by Canadians. That’s why we need to get as many customers as possible. It’s a way for people to be activists without having to write a cheque. It’s about harnessing the economic power of our community—we can all do a little more than we’re doing, and this is the most painless way of helping.

Martina Navratilova will be promoting the Rainbow Card at Le Drugstore (1366 Ste- Catherine E.)
on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5–7 p.m.