Tom Daley wishes Dame Kelly Holmes could have come out as a competing athlete – Metro.co.uk
Tom Daley admitted he is ‘so happy’ for Dame Kelly Holmes, after the Olympic legend came out as gay last week, but wishes she would have been able to do so when she was competing.
The sporting icon said she realised she was gay when she was a soldier in the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1988 at the age of 17, and kissed a female comrade.
However, for 34 years she kept that part of herself hidden, out of fear of being prosecuted, since same-sex relationships were banned from the forces.
But, Dame Kelly said the global pandemic showed her that it was time to be her ‘real self’ and express who she is, after remaining closeted led her to breakdowns and suicidal thoughts.
Speaking on This Morning today, Olympic diver Tom shared how happy he was for Dame Kelly that she now felt as though she could come out.
The 28-year-old made his brave decision to come out in 2013 via a YouTube video, when he also announced he was in a relationship with his now husband, Dustin Lance Black.
Speaking to presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Tom said: ‘I’m so happy for Dame Kelly Holmes, she’s one of my heroes, like growing up.
‘To see her come out and flourish now, I just really wish that she would have been able to do that when she was competing, and I think more now, the younger athletes coming up are going to be able to be themselves.
‘I think it’s just important to have that visibility out there, to know that sport is a space for everyone, and I think that’s the most important thing.’
Last week, Dame Kelly shared an emotional moment with Phillip, who came out a gay during an episode of This Morning in February 2020, as they broke down in tears over their coming out experiences.
Asked how she was feeling, she said: ‘A mixture of relief and apprehension I think. When it was announced in the Sunday Mirror, I was still in a bubble – I was at home, you’re on social media and the reaction was amazing, but still felt like it wasn’t the real world.
‘Then coming out today and sitting here now, it feels like the real world and it’s really hard, because this is such a big step for me to be open and honest with the true me. It’s still a bit scary.’
Phil told her: ‘One day, we won’t have to do these interviews, one day it won’t matter, one day you’ll just be able to be you and get on with your life.
‘However, we’re not quite there yet – but every single time somebody does this publicly and proves that it’s OK, then that makes it easier for other people. One of the reasons – there are many reasons, which we’ll come to.
‘One of the reasons – it was a very similar sort of thing for me, although mine happened almost by accident, I didn’t realise the reaction it was going to get. It does help other people.’
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and ITV Hub.
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