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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Dame Kelly Holmes gets huge support from GB Olympians and celebs after coming out as gay

Nicola Adams, Dina Asher-Smith and Phillip Schofield are among the Olympians and celebrities to have shared their support for Dame Kelly Holmes after she publicly came out as gay in an emotional exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror.

Holmes, 52, famously won two gold medals for Team GB at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and said she had lived a "secret life" for decades.

And the news has been met with an outpouring of support, with gold medal winning boxer Adams tweeting: "I'm so happy for Kelly Holmes, life is short and it’s important to be able to be your true self".

On Instagram, Olympic silver medallist Iwan Thomas commented: "Yes Kelly so much love". Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Denise Lewis simply responded: "Yes Kelly".

Asher-Smith also offered her support, commenting four heart emojis. Comedian and TV presenter Alan Carr, meanwhile, responded with a string of hand clapping emojis.

Schofield, who presents ITV show This Morning and came out as gay in 2020, wrote: "Darling Kelly, sending a massive hug don’t be scared, I’m sure you’ll find that everyone is amazing, you are the wonderful you that you’ve always been, the world still turns, accept the hugs of love and support. One day we won’t have to do this so publicly. Be happy being you".

Dame Kelly Holmes famously won two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics (Daily Mirror)

When breaking her silence to the world, Holmes said: "There have been lots of dark times where I wished I could scream that I am gay – but I couldn't."

The 52-year-old former GB Olympian added: "I needed to do this now, for me. It was my decision. I'm nervous about saying it. I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement.

"Sometimes I cry with relief. The moment this comes out, I’m essentially getting rid of that fear."

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