September 22nd 2023.
Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed she is 'terrified' as she and her partner take the next step in their relationship. The Olympic legend, who came out as gay aged 52, had kept her romantic life out of the spotlight for 34 years out of fear of being prosecuted.
In June last year, Dame Kelly revealed 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. She had kept this part of her life hidden due to the same-sex relationship ban in the forces. The pandemic made her realise it was time to be her true self and express who she is.
"It's the first time I've had someone who I don't introduce as a PA or friend," she said.
However, the steps they are now taking have left her 'terrified'. On Loose Women, Dame Kelly shared: "My partner's meant to be coming over in November to live with me - I'm terrified! I'm used to my independence and my space."
Dame Kelly also discussed the changes she may have to make to her lifestyle to make their relationship work. "I'd say, I've always been a workaholic. It's been my DNA, I was in the army, then athletics, it absolutely became a priority of mine. But I've met someone recently who I feel most connected with out of anyone who I've ever connected with," she said.
"And I think your priorities possibly start to change, it's not that I will give up work, no chance, I'm not going to go that far, but I do think, my partner is telling me to slow down for my own health."
Dame Kelly also spoke about how difficult it is for her to open up and admit she is making changes for her partner. "I think when you've been such a closed book it almost is an admission every time you talk about something different," said. "When I used to meet people, I used to say there's a priority order, my athletics, my dogs, then you!"
The Olympic champion is hopeful this will be the start of something new for her and her partner. "It's massive to admit that I'm making a change for somebody. One to admit it publicly but also to admit it in myself," she said.
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