'I knew I wasn't willing to live behind the curtain any longer'
OK! UK|November 06, 2023
Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes talks about coming out as gay at 52, navigating loss and grief, and her new career as a motivational speaker
- ALISON GRAVES
'I knew I wasn't willing to live behind the curtain any longer'

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… 

この蚘事は OK! UK の November 06, 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は OK! UK の November 06, 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

OK! UKのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Recipes for success
OK! UK

Recipes for success

Kick off 2025 with these delicious and healthy dishes from Weight Watchers Ambassador Laura Meyer

time-read
4 分  |
January 13, 2025
I'm still fascinated by Bob Dylan's world'
OK! UK

I'm still fascinated by Bob Dylan's world'

Actor Timothée Chalamet tells us about immersing himself in the legendary singer-songwriter’s life for five years in order to portray him in the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown

time-read
4 分  |
January 13, 2025
'The contestants are like my children'
OK! UK

'The contestants are like my children'

Host of hit gameshow The Traitors Claudia Winkleman opens up about what we can expect from series three and how, despite having three children herself, the players are like family to her

time-read
4 分  |
January 13, 2025
I'm going to enjoy myself for these last few years as much as I can'
OK! UK

I'm going to enjoy myself for these last few years as much as I can'

As he turns 80, the unstoppable Sir Rod Stewart is showing no signs of slowing down

time-read
6 分  |
January 13, 2025
'I couldn't believe my cancer was in remission'
OK! UK

'I couldn't believe my cancer was in remission'

Married At First Sight's relationship guru Mel Schilling on overcoming colon cancer and how she can't wait to rejoin the hit reality show

time-read
5 分  |
January 13, 2025
'There's no point fighting ageing'
OK! UK

'There's no point fighting ageing'

TV and radio star Gemma Atkinson talks strength, fitness and positive attitudes

time-read
3 分  |
January 13, 2025
MEGHAN'S NEW YEAR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
OK! UK

MEGHAN'S NEW YEAR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

With her latest Netflix series on the way and ey areturn to Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex looks set to make 2025 a time to celebrate

time-read
3 分  |
January 13, 2025
WILLIAM AND KATE'S ROYAL PARENTING RULES
OK! UK

WILLIAM AND KATE'S ROYAL PARENTING RULES

The Prince and Princess of Wales have a modern and relatable approach to bringing up their children along with clear behaviour boundaries, experts tell OK!

time-read
7 分  |
January 13, 2025
Every couple has ups and downs but we're good'
OK! UK

Every couple has ups and downs but we're good'

Reality star Ferne McCann shrugs off split rumours as she welcomes us into her stunning family home and chats about hitting the ice for her latest TV challenge

time-read
6 分  |
January 13, 2025
TRAVEL SPECIAL YOUR 2025 HIT LIST Get inspired for your next getaway with this year's top travel trends and must-visit destinations
OK! UK

TRAVEL SPECIAL YOUR 2025 HIT LIST Get inspired for your next getaway with this year's top travel trends and must-visit destinations

The big trend of 2024 was “destination dupes”, which saw holidaymakers looking for cheaper, less crowded alternatives to the most popular hotspots.

time-read
5 分  |
January 06, 2025