Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes has expressed her profound gratitude after being granted the Freedom of the City of London. The double gold medalist and LGBTQ+ advocate received the prestigious accolade just before attending a Pride celebration at The Mansion House, where she served as the guest of honour.
A Champion On and Off the Track
Dame Kelly, one of Britain's most celebrated Olympians, won gold in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Her journey to success was marked by overcoming significant injuries and mental health challenges early in her career. In 2022, she came out as gay, stating she 'finally felt free' after hiding her sexuality for decades due to fear, particularly during her service in the Army when gay people were prohibited from serving.
Reflecting on the honour, Dame Kelly said: 'Much of my life has been about finding the confidence to be myself on and off the track. Being able to speak openly about my experiences and connect with others who feel the same has been hugely important. It's a privilege to be part of Pride activity across the City and to see so many people coming together. Days like this are a powerful reminder of why visibility and inclusion, and creating spaces where everyone can belong, really matter.'
Celebrating Diversity at Pride
The Pride event featured notable figures from the LGBTQ+ community, including Amanda Collier from The Traitors, trans advocate and TV personality Ella Morgan, and Dr Ranj Singh. The evening concluded with a performance by Heather Small of her 2000 hit and gay anthem 'Proud'.
Alderman Tim Hailes, who is poised to become the City of London's first openly gay Lord Mayor, praised Dame Kelly: 'I have long admired Dame Kelly not just for what she achieved on the track, but for the honesty and strength she has shown in telling her story. That combination of resilience, talent and authenticity is incredibly powerful to me, and it felt absolutely right to recognise her in this way at a moment that celebrates the diversity of our City.'
