The quote compares being gay to the Olympics, suggesting that both have a historical cycle of visibility and acceptance. It implies that homosexuality was widely recognized in ancient cultures but later marginalized or hidden, much like how the Olympics ceased to exist for a time before being revived. The analogy highlights the theme of societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the fluctuations in acceptance over the ages.

In Nick Hornby's "A Long Way Down," this perspective invites readers to reflect on how cultural dynamics shape the understanding of identity. The re-emergence of being gay in the modern context parallels the revival of the Olympics, signifying a return to public acknowledgment and celebration. It raises questions about the progress made and the continual challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in achieving acceptance and equality.