Finding the True Self: The Inspiring Journey of Miko Kongstad

Born and raised in Qaqortoq, Miko Kongstad’s life story transcends the mere tale of a name change. As a child, he was given a name that didn’t resonate with him, a girl’s name that felt foreign to the man he always knew he was meant to be. Miko’s quest for authenticity is not simply about adopting a better-suited name; it’s a profound journey toward discovering his true identity, a pursuit that extends well beyond the badminton court.

Childhood and Badminton

Miko picked up a badminton racket at the tender age of six, and it didn’t take long for the sport to become his passion. Although his parents divorced, they each provided unwavering support, ensuring he knew he was valued. Spending countless hours in the badminton hall, he found his sanctuary in the game.

“I’ve always been athletic, but badminton captured me in a different way,” Miko remarks. “It allowed me to dive deep into something I truly loved.”

His first taste of competition came at age 11, with short blue hair and plenty of determination. However, the journey wasn’t smooth; he lost all his matches at his inaugural Greenland Badminton Championship. The disappointment stung, but it spurred a resolve in Miko. “I came home and vowed to my father, ‘Next year, I’ll win,’ and with a laugh, I still remember that moment,” he shares.

True to his word, Miko claimed gold in singles the following year, marking the start of a relentless pursuit to refine his skills. The drive that propelled him on the court mirrored the strength he would rely on in life, both in and out of sports.

The First Trip to Denmark

By 18, Miko embarked on a significant journey, heading alone to Hillerød to chase his badminton dreams. He enrolled at Frederiksborg Gymnasium, drawn by the promise of a badminton academy. The shift was substantial; he suddenly found himself amongst formidable players. “I realized I wasn’t the best anymore, but the potential for growth was immense,” he recounts.

During his three years in high school, badminton took precedence over all other pursuits. In 2008, he was crowned Danish champion in U19 singles and doubles. Yet, shortly after his graduation in 2011, disaster struck—a cruciate ligament injury abruptly sidelined him.

“I was representing Greenland in an international tournament in Croatia when disaster struck mid-match,” Miko reflects. This injury forced him to confront more than just physical limitations; it plunged him into a fierce identity crisis.

Who is Miko?

The struggle continued as Miko endured a second knee injury just two years later during the Island Games in Bermuda. Each setback not only hindered his athletic career but also forced him to reevaluate his identity. “My second injury made me realize badminton might not be my path anymore. It was both liberating and painful at the same time—a part of me felt lost,” he admits solemnly.

These injuries opened doors to deeper understanding. For the first time, he began to grapple with the confines of gender expectations that had accompanied him throughout his sports career. Miko recalls a former coach who playfully abbreviated his name to “Mi-ko,” seeing it now as an early acknowledgment of his true self.

The Transition

Miko spent several years in Denmark, initially pursuing structural engineering at the Technical University before shifting to geology, drawn to his Greenlandic roots. Eventually, he returned home, taking on the role of a badminton coach in Nuuk. Yet, the journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in his desire to transition. In a land that lacked the infrastructure to support transgender individuals, he felt isolated.

“I always knew I needed to transition, yet Greenland offered no resources. It felt like embarking on a solitary journey,” Miko recalls.

In the autumn of 2020, he adopted the name Miko—a name that felt right and matched his essence. However, the path to gender-affirming treatment proved convoluted. Just a few months after his name change, he relocated to Denmark, where he could access the surgeries necessary for his transition.

After years of longing, Miko underwent surgery in Sweden in June 2021. When he looked in the mirror for the first time post-operation, the euphoria was overwhelming. “It felt like a weight had been lifted. Seeing my flat chest brought me happiness I had never known,” Miko beams, his smile radiating joy.

Hormone treatment followed, solidifying his commitment to his newfound self. However, this also meant that returning to Greenland was not an option, as the necessary medical follow-up simply wasn’t available.

Returning to the Court

Now, in 2023, Miko steps back onto the badminton court, this time embodying the man he has always been. Having once been the dominant female player in Greenland, he now represents himself authentically. Though not returning as a full-time athlete, his comeback serves as a triumphant declaration of self-acceptance.

“I want to show that badminton is for everyone—boys, girls, and everything in between,” Miko says, enthusiasm lighting up his face. Today, he balances his role as a consultant for Badminton Kalaallit Nunaat with a passion for promoting inclusivity in sports across Greenland.

A Voice for Change

After wrestling with his identity, Miko has emerged as a vocal advocate for political change in Greenland, particularly for transgender rights. He has engaged with politicians and organizations to foster a better climate for future generations.

“I fight for more than myself; I hope to pave the way for those who come after me. No one should feel they must live in the shadows,” Miko asserts firmly.

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges a newfound hope. “Before my transition, I couldn’t envision a future. Now, I dream again. I look forward to growing old,” he says with a soft sigh, expressing relief that feels tangible.

Miko’s journey is a testament not just to his personal transformation, but to a broader fight for acceptance and legal rights for all individuals. He remains committed to returning to Greenland as his genuine self, fostering a community that embraces diversity in all forms.