Dame Kelly Holmes is a breath of fresh air. Open and honest, she has a warm smile, a twinkle in her eye and a cheeky shoulder tattoo on display. The Olympian is enjoying a second career as a motivational speaker and author – her searingly honest memoir Unique is out on 9 November. Yet her successes have been hard won.
From navigating the grief and bereavement of losing her “dear mum”, which had a devastating effect on her, to her struggle to come out as a gay woman, she is in a reflective mood when OK! caught up with her ahead of her book launch.
“It’s so important to tell my story,” she says. “So many people knew me as an international athlete, but quite possibly more people know the real me now.”
Kelly came out as gay last year at the age of 52, in a move that raised questions about how many older women are afraid to speak out about their sexuality. She admits that in her younger days, “sex education was blowing condoms up at the back of the class” and finding the same sex attractive was something that wasn’t talked about.
Today, though, she is in a loving relationship, more content than ever and ready to tackle life as her authentic self at last.
Congratulations on Unique. Can you tell us about writing it?
It’s a process, and I never imagined I’d be doing it again after my autobiography years ago and then my documentary last year. This time, it has extra details in since things have changed for me.
It’s jam-packed with honesty and a realness that fans will relate to…
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 06, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 06, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.