Kelly Holmes
Olympic champion talks about her coming out
Kelly Holmes has decided to come out at the age of 52.
© imago images/Future Image
After 34 years, Olympic champion Kelly Holmes celebrates her coming out. In an interview, she explains: “I had to do this for myself now.”
Former British middle-distance runner and two-time Olympic champion Kelly Holmes (52) has come out as homosexual. In an interview with the “Sunday Mirror” She explained: “I had to do this for myself now. It was my decision. I’m nervous to say it. I feel like I’m exploding with excitement.” The moment her coming-out becomes public, she will be rid of her fear, said the sports star, adding: “Sometimes I cry with relief.”
She is happily taken
Holmes said close friends and family have known about her sexuality for years, revealing that she is in a relationship. “It’s the first time I’ve had someone I don’t introduce as just a friend.” As a young soldier, she realized that she was a lesbian after a comrade kissed her, Holmes continues. Fear of being prosecuted kept her silent. “There were many dark times when I wished I could shout out that I’m a lesbian – but I couldn’t.”
All her life she was convinced “that if I admitted that I was a lesbian in the army, I would still get in trouble”. It was only in 2020 that Kelly contacted a military LGBTQ+ expert who reassured her that she would not face any sanctions for her relationships in the army. “I felt like I could breathe again. One phone call could have saved me 28 years of heartache,” said Holmes. However, this ultimately helped her take steps to come out publicly. Among other things, she launched a documentary called “Being Me” in January of this year.
At Instagram The sports star wrote on the occasion of the published interview: “I have lived in fear for 34 years and I am exhausted and do not want more. I hope that those who read my story will help me through this next scary phase, but also be there for others. ” She also revealed that her documentary will premiere on ITV at the end of June.
Holmes celebrated her greatest success at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, winning gold in the 800 meters and 1,500 meters. In January 2005, Kelly Holmes was honored by Queen Elizabeth II (96) as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).