Olympic Bronze Medalist comes out as... human[/font]
Tom Daley Photo by Jim ThurstonBy Brody Levesque | PLYMOUTH, UK -- In a YouTube announcement made public Monday, British Olympic Diver Tom Daley told the world that he is in a relationship with a man. Pointedly avoiding use of the terms 'gay' or 'bi' the 19 year old Olympian said;
"In spring this year my life changed massively when I met someone, and they make me feel so happy, so safe and everything just feels great. That someone is a guy."[/font]
Quote:Daley also noted, "Of course I still fancy girls but right now I'm dating a guy and I couldn't be happier."[/font]
Daley says in the five-minute video clip [Below] that he wanted "to put an end to all the rumours and speculation, and just say it, tell you guys," adding "is it a big deal? I don't think so."
Daley won the 10-metre platform gold at the 2009 world championships when he was 15 and won a Bronze Medal in the same category-event in London during the 2012 games.
Edward Lord, chairman of the UK's Amateur Swimming Association,
told the BBC Monday,
Quote:"To be one of the first British Olympic athletes to come out is very brave. We must all support Tom in taking this incredibly courageous step." [/font]
Lord also noted that Sports are very difficult area, very slowly moving in recognition of gay and lesbian sexuality.
Quote:"Coming out is not risk free but I hope that what Tom Daley has done will lead to a good outcome for him and say to people it is good to do this."[/font]
Quote:He said he hoped it would "be a signal not just to other sportspeople but to all young people that you can be open about your sexuality, even in a very public environment."[/font]
Quote:He added: "I am very proud of Tom"[/font]
In his video Daley spoke about his father Rob, who had died of cancer aged 40 in 2011
Quote:[His father had always said to him] "As long as you are happy, I'm happy." He added: "My mum has been so supportive as well."[/font]
Daley commented that there were "mixed opinions" from some friends and family when he told them that he was making the announcement.
Quote:"Lots of them did not believe it," he said. "Lots of them wanted me to keep it quiet. I didn't want to get my words twisted. I wanted to put an end to all the rumours and speculation, and just say it and tell you guys.[/font]
Quote:It's what I want to do.My friends and family are always there to support me and I hope you guys can be too."[/font]
He then spoke about his future plans to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil,
Quote:"I mean I'm still Tom, I still want to win an Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016 for Great Britain. I am still as motivated as ever to do that. It would be great to have you guys on that journey, too."[/font]
Reaction to Daley's announcement was met with positive response from regular folks as well as celebrities.
CNN anchor and Brit-expat Piers Morgan tweeted: "@TomDaley1994 just made it 100 times easier for confused young gay men to come out and lead open, happier lives - good for him."
UK LGBTQ equality rights group StonewallUK tweeted: "Moving and inspiring video from @TomDaley1994. A role model for thousands of other young people."
Paul Stenning, a self-employed website designer said,
Quote:"He has not come out as "bi" or "gay" or anything. He has not used labels, he has said he is in a relationship with a guy. I admire his honesty and courage. Maybe he doesn't see the need for labels, or maybe he is not sure at this stage.[/font]
Quote:[...] Good for you Tom, and I wish you a long and happy relationship with whoever the lucky guy is. And thank you for doing your bit to show to other young people that this really isn't such a big deal now."[/font]