Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams has addressed speculation that she is dating model and podcaster Christine McGuinness, firmly stating the pair are just friends. The 43-year-old Team GB icon, who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, was recently linked romantically to McGuinness after they were seen together at the Diva Awards.
Adams Sets the Record Straight
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Adams clarified the nature of their relationship. "I do like blondes. People get all excited about it, but we really are just friends. I’d seen her around because we just happened to be represented by the same agency, but we’d never actually spoken properly," she explained.
Previous Discussions on Sexuality
This is not the first time Adams has spoken publicly about sexuality. In a previous interview with The I, she discussed an impactful conversation with Dame Kelly Holmes, who came out a few years ago. Adams interviewed Holmes and other LGBT sports figures on The LGBT Sport Podcast for BBC Sounds. "I didn’t even know that you weren’t allowed to be gay in the Army… I was so shocked, I couldn’t believe it. It really wasn’t that long ago, either, and she had to hide who she was," Adams recalled.
Call for Inclusivity in Football
Adams also addressed LGBT inclusivity in football, calling for more action after referee Ryan Atkin came out. "Footballers get abused for even just their skin colour, so it’s very brave what Ryan has done, coming out as a gay man. There needs to be more rules in place to safeguard the players and the referees. In any other sport, racism and homophobia would not be tolerated, but it doesn’t seem like there’s any consequence in football," she added.
Christine McGuinness on Public Scrutiny
Christine McGuinness, 38, has also faced intense public interest in her personal life following her split from husband Paddy McGuinness. Speaking on the How To Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast last year, she addressed the attention around her sexuality. "I think after that is where I’ve struggled more because of the attention around my sexuality and that’s something that I haven’t discussed publicly. I haven’t discussed it intentionally because for me it’s took me years to process why it’s big news, why is it such a big story in the press, who I date. It shouldn’t matter somebody’s gender…It’s my private life, but I also get why people have encouraged me to talk about it," she said, as reported by Diva magazine.
Career Updates
Both women continue to evolve in their careers. Adams has transitioned from boxing to acting and media, while McGuinness is building her profile as a model and podcaster.
