While his newfound fame has served as a “reality check”, opening his eyes to homophobic abuse, he says the majority of interactions have been “overwhelmingly positive”.
After growing up without a role model in sport, he hopes he can inspire future athletes.
“A lot of my gay inspiration I got through pop culture, through the music I listened to in the car with my mum, like strong female protagonists like Kylie Minogue and Gwen Stefani. I never found my source of inspiration through sport. Maybe I can be that for someone because I didn’t necessarily have that myself.
“I’ve had so many messages saying it’s so nice to see someone living the way I am. They wish they could have had someone doing that when they were younger, or parents [saying] it’s a really nice example for children.
“[The abuse] feels like such a small drop in the ocean. A lot of things people are saying, like my parents won’t be proud of me, I don’t deserve to be an athlete, I deserve to die – I know they’re not true. I work hard, I’m dedicated to my craft, and I deserve a space in sport.”
Looking ahead to Tokyo, Derbyshire is clear in his ambitions.
He isn’t thinking about dethroning three-time world champion Karsten Warholm, instead prioritising enjoyment and learning.
“My main target this year has been to get back competing and back to a place of enjoyment. Despite the standard stepping up again, that is the main priority,” he said.
“And it’s my first World Championships, so I want to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as I can from the people around me and the atmosphere, because moments like this don’t come around too often. I really want to relish it.”
As for whether he will debut a new routine, it’s a case of wait and see.
“The ‘toss toss’ has become that moment for my first introduction to the world stage, so that may have to be what I do in the heats,” he said.
“Fingers crossed, if I get some more rounds, I can get out some new skills.”
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