Kelly Holmes

The Olympic runner, 52, has spoken about her sexuality for the first time as she declared she 'finally feels free' after years of living a 'secret' life.

Kelly had relationships with other women during her 10 years in service. Being me! Kelly, who was made a Dame in 2005, said she dated one woman between the ages of 27 and 32 but broke off the relationship in 2002 so she was able to focus on the Athens Olympics. She was 'confused and scared' but Kelly revealed her stepfather accepted her straight away before coming out to the rest of her family in 1997. I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement. The Olympic runner, 52, has spoken about her sexuality for the first time as she declared she 'finally feels free' after years of living a 'secret' life.

Dame Kelly Holmes has come out as gay at the age of 52 following a 34-year-struggle, saying she now feels 'free'.

You could be yourself, then come back to your barracks,’ she admitted, proceeding to share that her quarters were searched by Royal Military Police when she was 23. She was assured that this would not happen. And we’ve got some great names on board to help us, too. But I felt the law was wrong.’ I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement. You feel violated, treated like you’re some massive villain. On the moment she realised that she liked girls, Dame Kelly said it felt ‘more natural’ and ‘comfortable’ to kiss a female comrade in the forces, a month before she turned 18. Now, she feels ‘free’ after coming out on her own terms, telling the Sunday Mirror: ‘I needed to do this now, for me. Dame Kelly is in a romantic relationship and, while she doesn’t want to share the ins and outs, she speaks fondly of her partner, saying: ‘It’s the first time I’ve had someone who I don’t introduce as a PA or friend.’ I’m nervous about saying it. 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. 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.

OLYMPICS legend Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed she's gay - after living a "secret life" for decades.The 52-year-old sporting hero, who is in a happy r.

In 2020, she suffered Covid and a breakdown - and contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader to ask if she could still face sanctions for her Army relationships. In 2003, she self-harmed before the World Championships final in France, running a tap to drown out the sound of her tears. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. She went on to have relationships with other female soldiers during her 10 years of service, risking court martial, and came out to the rest of her family in 1997. Between the ages of 27 and 32, she was in a relationship, but broke it off so she could focus on the Olympics. Dame Kelly feared she'd "still be in trouble" if she'd admitted to being gay while in the Army, although family and close friends have known of her sexuality for years. "I was confused and a bit scared of what it meant," she said. The 52-year-old sporting hero, who is in a happy relationship, says she wanted to "scream" about her sexuality for years - but felt unable to speak openly. "I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement. The national treasure told the paper: "I needed to do this now, for me. Even her celebrations after she won gold in the 800 and 1,500 metres at Athens were spoiled as she feared being outed. Dame Kelly, who served in the Army, told the Sunday Mirror she first realised she was gay when she kissed another female soldier at the age of just 17.

The Olympic champion has revealed about her past relationships with women and says she currently has a partner.

She had a breakdown in 2020 and contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader to ask if she could still face sanctions for her Army relationships. I had conversations with young people in the military who never even knew about the ban.” She said: “I was in a holding camp bathroom and literally wanted to scream so loud, I put the tap on to dull my tears. “I cut myself on the arms and legs because I felt I had no control over myself. And Dame Kelly is “gobsmacked” by the way the military has changed. The told her "they knew anyway", and she added: "No one’s ever had a problem. However, in 2003, aged 33, she was plagued with injuries and her mental health took a nosedive. “I’d think, ‘No one talks about it in the sport, how do I suddenly say I’m gay? She came out to the rest of her family in 1997 and they were all supportive. She said: “They pulled everything out of your cupboard, turned out the beds and drawers, read letters – everything – trying to catch us out, so we could be arrested, court martialled and potentially go to jail. “Those moments stuck with me because I didn’t want to lose my job, I loved it. Prior to becoming an Olympian, Dame Kelly joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1988, a month before her 18th birthday.

The Olympic legend said she is "finally free" after sharing the news in a heartfelt interview with The Sunday Mirror.

“I come back from the Olympics and stand on a bus with two gold medals for my country – and all I’m thinking is, ‘What if somebody says something... She told the Sunday Mirror: “Thousands of people had come to see me and there were even thanks from the Army. Winning gold was everything I dreamed of since I was a child. Holmes said that even at her post-Olympics parade in front of 80,000 adoring fans, she was filled with dread at being “outed” for homosexuality while she was in the Army.

After a scary brush with Covid the Olympics legend says she realised she was ready to show the world her real self. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Kelly said: “ ...

She said: “I couldn’t go to a counsellor because if I tell them I’m gay they might tell someone. “I was listening with my mouth wide open,” she said. I felt stuck in this world where I can’t talk to someone. “How can who you feel connected with affect whether you can fire a weapon, be on the front line, take a physical training instructor class?” Kelly came out to the rest of her family in 1997, who were supportive. I cut myself on the arms and legs because I felt I had no control over myself. “I’d think, ‘No one talks about it in the sport, how do I suddenly say I’m gay? She said: “It was an era where the stigma of homosexuality was really bad because of the AIDS epidemic. Kelly joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1988, a month before her 18th birthday, and it was during this time that she realised she must be gay. Kelly's quarters were once searched by the Royal Military Police, which she believes was an attempt to find out who was secretly a lesbian. There was this pub that had a back dance floor and a pool table and everyone we knew was gay used to go to this place. After a scary brush with Covid the Olympics legend says she realised she was ready to show the world her real self. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Kelly said: “There have been lots of dark times where I wished I could scream that I am gay – but I couldn’t.”

British Olympic champion Dame Kelly Homes has come out as gay at the age of 52. The double gold medal winner told the Sunday Mirror she first realised she ...

You could be yourself, then come back to your barracks,” she said as she shared how her quarters were searched by Royal Military Police in a check she believes was to uncover who was a lesbian. After experiencing a mental breakdown in 2020, she contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader to ask if she could still face sanctions for her army relationships. She added that school sex education at the time also “was nothing to do with being gay”. It was after she joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1988 when a fellow soldier kissed her that things changed. She added: “It’s the first time I’ve had someone who I don’t introduce as a PA or friend.” I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement,” she said.

Kelly Holmes says that when she won the 800 metres and 1500 metres during the Athens Olympics, she was terrified that someone would say she had ...

She says: “I couldn’t function, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t feel, I couldn’t be. “Privately I have lived my life openly, but professionally I haven’t – and professionally is really important to me,” she says. In the bad times it’s good to think about what I went through to be here. “I’m a motivational speaker but as soon as they ask me to speak about diversity and inclusion I’ve always been like, no. This journey helped me feel it was okay.” Kelly now hopes to speak out on LGBTQ+ issues and support causes she cares about, possibly by making more TV documentaries. It was just killing me not being able to say anything, not knowing how to say it.” I thought I was going to do something bad. “I come back from the Olympics and stand on a bus with two gold medals for my country – and all I’m thinking is, ‘What if somebody says something... I had to hold myself in my bed because all I could envision was going downstairs and getting a knife. But I didn’t know how to.” “I didn’t ask them about their relationship – so they wouldn’t ask me. The Olympic golds were among countless victories blighted by the weight of her secret, which she carried for 34 years – until today.

Speaking during Pride month, the two-time gold medallist said she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female soldier, and that her ...

I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement. The Olympic champion told the Sunday Mirror: "I needed to do this now, for me. "Sometimes I cry with relief.

Kent star Kelly Holmes has spoken publicly about her sexuality for the first time, revealing she has been living a 'secret life' for decades.

She says: “I couldn’t go to a counsellor because if I tell them I’m gay they might tell someone. Kelly was made a Dame in 2005. I felt stuck in this world where I can’t talk to someone. But I felt the law was wrong." But by 2003, aged 33, she was plagued with injuries and her mental health plummeted. I did not want to be here any more.

Speaking during Pride month, the two-time Olympic gold medallist said she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female soldier, and that ...

I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement. The Olympic champion told the Sunday Mirror: "I needed to do this now, for me. "Sometimes I cry with relief.

Speaking during Pride month, the two-time gold medal winning Olympic champion said she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female ...

She contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader in 2020 to find out if she could be sanctioned for breaking Army rules and was told she would not be. Until 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF – and Holmes feared she would still face repercussions for breaking that law during her time in the forces. “I needed to do this now, for me,” she told the Sunday Mirror. “It was my decision.

The two-time gold medal-winning Olympic champion feels like she is 'finally free' having shared her sexuality with the world after hiding it for 25 years. Dame ...

Love who you want to love.’ I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement.’ Dame Kelly admitted she struggled with her mental health because of having to hide her sexuality, and that she had to keep several same-sex relationships she had during her time in the Women’s Royal Army Corps secret, for fear of being court marshalled. Until 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF – and Dame Kelly feared she would still face repercussions for breaking that law during her time in the forces. ‘I needed to do this now, for me,’ she stated. Dame Kelly Holmes has been praised after coming out as gay at the age of 52 during Pride month with many expressing their pride in their role model.

The 52-year-old Olympic champion revealed that she came out to her family and friends in 1997.

I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement. The 52-year-old Olympian also revealed she had struggled with her mental health because of having to hide her sexuality, and that she had to keep several same-sex relationships she had during her time in the Women’s Royal Army Corps secret, for fear of being court-martialled. She told the Sunday Mirror: “I needed to do this now, for me.

Britain's double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes has revealed she is gay, saying she was nervous and excited about coming out in a move that could have saved ...

"I was convinced throughout my whole life that if I admitted to being gay in the army I'd still be in trouble," Kelly said. I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement," Holmes told the Sunday Mirror newspaper. "I needed to do this now, for me.

Olympic gold medalist, Dame Kelly Holmes has received an outpouring of praise after the 52-year-old athlete announced that she publically announced that she ...

Fear alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm, whether that danger is physical or psychological." She also recounted an incident where the British Military Police raided her accommodation in what she believes was an attempt to out her. Holmes added on her Instagram account: "This is not new to me, it’s about me Being Me. I hope you will all read the story and show compassion to me and those around you that may struggle with fear every day!

Speaking during Pride month, the two-time gold medal winning Olympic champion said she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female ...

I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement. She told the Sunday Mirror: “I needed to do this now, for me. Dame Kelly, 52, also revealed she struggled with her mental health because of having to hide her sexuality, and that she had to keep several same-sex relationships she had during her time in the Women’s Royal Army Corps secret, for fear of being court marshalled.

Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes has come out at the age of 52 and is grateful to be breaking the news on her own terms.

She said: "I couldn’t go to a counsellor because if I tell them I’m gay they might tell someone. She added: "I said I met a girl and I don't know what to do. She said: "I was listening with my mouth wide open, you'll get done for being homophobic now rather than being gay. I was confused and a bit scared of what it meant and nervous to tell him. When she was 23, Kelly's quarters were searched by Royal Military Police in a check which she believed was to root out secret lesbians. "I’d think, ‘No one talks about it in the sport, how do I suddenly say I’m gay? She said: "It was an era where the stigma of homosexuality was really bad because of the AIDS epidemic. Wearing a white blazer and white flared trousers, she told the Mirror: "I needed to do this now, for me. It felt more natural, I felt comfortable." And behind her beaming smile, she has lived a "secret life" for decades. Yet sexuality was not even on her radar when she dated boys as a teenager in Hildenborough, Kent. Fully aware of rumours about her sexuality and after years of pain, Dame Kelly is grateful to break the news on her own terms.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has come out as gay at the age of 52 and the news has been met with an outpouring of support from fellow ...

Read More I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement. Be happy being you".

Speaking during Pride month, the two-time Olympic gold medal winner said she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female soldier, and ...

On retirement she has became a motivational speaker, written books, and is a familiar figure on TV. Kelly’s story shows that overcoming stigma to live proudly and authentically can take decades, and at huge personal cost. She contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader in 2020 to find out if she could be sanctioned for breaking army rules and was told she would not be.

The 52-year-old Olympic champion, who first realised she was gay aged 17, said she finally feels free after hiding her sexuality out of fear of persecution. She ...

❤️ So here it is, the start of a new chapter in my long life book.’ Nothing changes the fact you are a national hero. Until 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF – and Dame Kelly feared she would still face repercussions for breaking that law during her time in the forces. Enjoy your journey 🏳️🌈’ Dame Kelly, who has been branded an ‘inspiration’ for sharing her story, has been blown away by the reaction since and revealed her journey has been recorded in a documentary for ITV which is set to air next week. She came out in a candid interview with the Sunday Mirror, in which she explained she ‘needed to do this now, for me’. ‘Sometimes I cry with relief,’ she told the publication.

The 52-year-old famously won two Olympic gold medals over 800m and 1500m at Athens 2004 and became Commonwealth champion in the 1500m at Victoria 1994 and ...

“This journey has been the hardest part of life. Amidst all the success, Holmes wished that she was able to tell the world about her sexuality. I hope those that read my story will help me through this next scary phase but also be there for others.” So here it is, the start of a new chapter in my long life book. Holmes also secured three world and two European medals, in a glittering career where she held both the British 800m and 1500m records until Keely Hodgkinson and Laura Muir broke them respectively. I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement.

Olympic gold medallist reveals fears of court martial in army and toll on her mental health as she lifts 34-year public silence.

“It can be harder if you feel like you have been living a lie with people very close to you, and people worry about sending a signal that they didn’t trust those around them.” Holmes said that when she first realised she was gay, in 1988, Britain was gripped by the Aids panic, which stigmatised gay people. “I needed to do this now, for me,” she told the Sunday Mirror. “It was my decision. “The ban in the army had only been lifted four years [before] and I had never asked anyone if there was any sort of retribution if I said something. I had wanted to be in the armed forces since I was 14 and was desperate to stay in, so couldn’t let them know. Holmes, who realised she was a lesbian when she kissed a fellow female soldier in the army in 1988, told the Sunday Mirror: “It was illegal to be gay in the army.

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen, comedian Alan Carr and singer Boy George were among those she confided in, with them urging her to “be herself”. The athlete has ...

They haven’t lived through the 80s with the stigmatisation, they weren’t in the army, it was never illegal for them to be gay. “I found the guts to say, ‘I need to tell you this to get it off my shoulders’. She was awesome. “People have to be ready to do it. Even after the law was abolished in 2000, she remained silent, terrified of being retrospectively punished. It’s not a world everyone is yet comfortable with – some people’s friends, families, religions, cultures don’t allow it.” Then you can start remodelling your life. I could have spoken up about LGBT causes and not be misheard or misread.” But seeing them did allow me to think, OK, they’re still being accepted now they’ve come out.” Her terror was rooted in laws that meant LGBTQ+ servicemen and women faced losing medals, being court-martialled and jailed. “It means more to me than you’ll ever know and I’ll try to uphold the respect of all those who wrote to me and I’ll do my utmost to be a strong and determined voice in support of everyone’s cause.” He said, ‘you deserve to be you’. The athlete has revealed serving in the army in the 90s – when it was illegal for members of the forces to be gay –instilled in her a fear of living openly.

Britain's double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes received an outpouring of support from fellow Olympians after she announced she was gay in a newspaper ...

I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement," Holmes told the The Sunday Mirror. "I needed to do this now, for me. The former middle-distance runner received an outpouring of support from fellow Olympians following her announcement in a newspaper interview.

The Olympic runner received an outpouring of support from both her followers and celebrities after she spoke about her sexuality for the first time.

'It was pride month (as is this month) but nothing really to do with the rainbow. Kelly had relationships with other women during her 10 years in service. 'So here it is, the start of a new chapter in my long life book. Army: She explained how her family and close friends have known for years she is gay but she worried about being in trouble for breaching retrospective rules in the Forces (Dame Kelly in her Colonel role at Trooping the Colour) Firstly THANK YOU - The support has been overwhelming- I actually don’t think I can take it all in and process it right now! I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement.

Get all of the latest Other Sport news from NationalWorld. Providing fresh perspective online for news across the UK.

She told the Sunday Mirror: “I needed to do this now, for me. She recalled an instance in which the Royal Military Police searched her accommodation in what she believed to be an attempt to uncover evidence of her sexuality. I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement. She expressed her anxiety that she would be penalised for being lesbian and serving in the Army in her interview with the Mirror. It was unlawful for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF until 2000, and she felt she would still face consequences for breaching the law while in the military. Dame Kelly also said that having to hide her sexuality had a negative impact on her mental health, and that she had to hide multiple same-sex relationships she had while serving in the Women’s Royal Army Corps for fear of being court marshalled.

KELLY HOLMES has revealed she had a 'breakdown' as she broke down in tears on This Morning while opening up to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

It was only when I had a really bad breakdown in December 2020 that I knew I had to do something because it was so bad.” “I was in there for nearly 10 years and yet I couldn’t express that. It was something that I really wanted to do.” She wrote: "I can finally breathe. I knew if I couldn’t release it, then I didn’t know what I was going to do, so I had to do it.” Dame Kelly Holmes came out as gay this weekend and joined Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning to talk about her sexuality.