Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes ‘is engaged to her long-term girlfriend Louise Cullen three years after coming out’

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According to reports, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes is said to have gotten engaged to her partner Louise Cullen, three years following when she openly identified as a lesbian.

55-year-old Olympic legend, most recognized for her historic double gold in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Games, allegedly proposed to Louise this year, culminating a romantic tale that started during the lockdown period.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share this heartwarming news: After spending years harboring concerns about potential legal repercussions for my past relationships, I’ve experienced a beautiful resolution – one that brings joy and relief. This transformation is a testament to the progress we’ve made in embracing love without fear or prejudice.

‘It was at a time when homosexuality was still illegal for serving troops.’

In the year 2021, Kelly came across Louise, who’s a skilled massage therapist, via an online health and wellness group that was created due to the pandemic. Initially exchanging friendly banter during their mutual workout sessions, their interactions gradually intensified, leading to something deeper.

The pair have generally been secretive about their relationship, but in 2023, Kelly decided to share more, expressing her contentment and sense of being cherished in a loving bond, stating: ‘She appreciates me for who I am. I’m simply overjoyed.’

Daily Mail have contacted Kelly’s representatives for comment.

The report emerged, with Kelly attending an affectionate event with her partner Louise at the Brighton Pride celebration over the weekend.

In July, Kelly won an Attitude Pride Europe Icon Award. At the time she wrote:

‘To be recognised for what I now stand for is incredible.

Over the last three years, I’ve experienced a significant transformation in my life, which you might not fully grasp unless we’ve met during one of my talks. Most days now, I can genuinely say that I can breathe and feel truly happy, making it a life-changing experience for me.

It feels like I’m living an entirely new existence – one where I connect with others and they recognize me, one where I’m fully present and engaged in the moment instead of constantly on guard about others’ perceptions, and one where I’ve formed numerous genuine friendships along the way.

I’m regularly inspired by the diverse experiences shared by individuals across various backgrounds, including men and women, members of the LGBTQIA community, parents, relatives, professionals, widows, and people at different stages of life.

By discussing honestly and openly about my experiences, I’ve empowered them with strength and courage. This realization encourages them to understand, accept, and support their loved ones, friends, family, colleagues, and potentially save lives.

I’m content with who I am and wouldn’t want things to be any other way, as dwelling on the past negatively affects me. However, I strive to express my authentic self each day.

Kelly expressed gratitude by saying: ‘I appreciate each of you who have shown me such kindness, encouragement, positivity, openness, and honesty. I love you all.’

Dame Kelly has been very open about keeping her sexuality a secret for over 30 years.

Three years ago, the Olympic champion openly discussed her struggle to conceal her sexuality as a teenager because of a prohibition against gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals serving in the British Army, during an appearance on Loose Women.

At the age of 17, she enlisted in the military. It’s all about regulations, discipline, and forbidding same-sex relationships. She soon discovered that she was homosexual.

‘People often overlook the fact that during my military service, I excelled as a top-notch athlete globally. If only I could relive those years of my life and be me back then!’

Previous eras valiantly struggled to create a space where the youth could openly express themselves without fear of discrimination, including within the realm of sports. However, I was never open about my sexuality in sports, as it was not a topic that was commonly discussed or accepted at the time.

Open service in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces by individuals identifying as gay or lesbian has been permitted since the year 2000.

The fight to allow homosexuality in the British Armed Forces started with a legal battle. 

From 2000 onwards, approximately 200 of us, dedicated service members, were discharged annually due to our sexual orientation. However, it’s heartening to know that many of us have managed to secure fair compensation in the years following this injustice.

As a thriving school and youth Olympic athlete, Kelly declined a sports scholarship in the U.S., instead choosing to enlist in the military during her teenage years.

She became Corporal Kelly Holmes, with a new dream set of being a personal training instructor.

However, she furthered her sports growth while serving in the military by clinching victories at the Army Championships. Notably, she also excelled in judo and volleyball competitions.

Following her victory at the 1993 UK Civilian Championships as Corporal Kelly, she earned a spot in the World Championships. This double duty of serving in the military and competing in athletics presented a challenge for her. Eventually, she decided to fully dedicate herself to athletics by leaving the army in 1997.

In addition, Kelly explained how the passing of her mother, Pam Norman, due to myeloma in 2017, influenced her choice to openly identify herself.

Kelly mentioned: “For the past 34 years, I’ve found myself unable to express anything, but after my mom passed away more than four years ago, I felt compelled to speak up. It took me four years to realize that now is the appropriate time.

I hope that when it’s my time, my loved ones won’t remember me as someone who was afraid to show her true self.” This version maintains the original meaning while using more natural and conversational language.

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2025-08-03 11:21