Dame Kelly Holmes has publicly declared himself gay.
The 52-year-old Olympic runner first spoke about her sexuality while declaring that she “finally feels free” after years of living a “secret” life.
The athletics star admitted that she was “fully aware” of the rumors about her sexual orientation, but that she is now happy to come out “on her own terms.”
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “There have been many dark times when I wish I could shout I’m gay, but I couldn’t.”
Speaking: Dame Kelly Holmes has publicly spoken out as gay (pictured this year)
“I needed to do this now, for me. It was my decision. I’m nervous to say it. I feel like I’m bursting with emotion. Sometimes I cry with relief. By the time this comes out, I’m essentially getting rid of it. me of this fear ‘.
Dame Kelly confirmed that she has a partner, but declined to give further details, and admitted that this is the first time she has not introduced someone as a “friend or PA”.
He explained how his family and close friends have known for years that he is gay, but he was worried about having trouble breaking the Forces’ retrospective rules.
‘Finally free’! The 52-year-old Olympic runner spoke for the first time about her sexuality while declaring that she “finally feels free” after years of living a “secret” life (photo 2004)
At the time, the forces had a ban on LGBT soldiers, which was lifted only in 2000. Kelly had relationships with other women during her 10 years of service.
Kelly, who chose to go out during Pride Month, explained how she realized she was gay when she kissed another female soldier at 17 years old.
After the kiss, Kelly recalled writing to her stepfather with whom she shares a close relationship to explain what had happened.
Smiling again: The athletics star admitted she was “fully aware” of the rumors about her sexual orientation, but is now happy to come out “on her own terms.”
Career: Kelly said she dated a 27- to 32-year-old woman, but broke off in 2002 because she was able to focus on the Athens Olympics.
She was “confused and frightened,” but Kelly revealed that her stepfather accepted her immediately before leaving with the rest of her family in 1997.
Speaking about his previous relationships with women, he said: “There is no lack of respect, but relationships have only been a small part of my life.
“They haven’t been in this fearsome world with me in 34 years.”
Kelly, who was named lady in 2005, said she dated a 27- to 32-year-old woman, but broke off the relationship in 2002 because she was able to focus on the Athens Olympics.
Be me! The television personality, who is currently working on a documentary called Being Me, admitted that he kept his true identity hidden for years and that he experienced episodes of self-harm that he struggled to deal with (pictured 2020). )
And even her great achievement of winning gold in the 800 and 1,500 meters in Athens was ruined because of her fears of being overtaken.
The television personality, who is currently working on a documentary called Being Me, admitted that he kept his true identity hidden for years and that he experienced episodes of self-harm that he struggled to cope with.
Kelly confessed that while she was celebrating her gold medal in the 800 and 1,500 meters at the Athens Olympics, she was afraid of being overtaken as her fame reached new levels.
Background: Kelly, who chose to go out during Pride Month, recounted how she first realized she was gay when she kissed another female soldier at the age of 17 (pictured during her time in the army)
Before the 2003 World Cup finals, Kelly said she reached an all-time low and injured herself, recalling that she “had no control” over herself.
Kelly did not ask for any support at the time for fear of being fired from the Olympic team.
In 2018, Kelly was named an honorary colonel in the Royal Armored Corps Training Regiment, which she saw as another barrier to her departure.
After suffering a break in 2020, he called an LGBTQ + leader to ask if he could still face repercussions on his relationship with the military.
When she was assured she would have no problem with the Forces, Kelly revealed that she felt she could “breathe again.”
Her documentary will see Kelly talk to LGBTQ + soldiers and she said she was “delighted” with how much the Army has changed since she served.
He said he was talking to young people from the Forces about the documentary who were not even aware of the ban.
Army: Dame Kelly in her role as Colonel in Trooping the Color