Dame Kelly Holmes is one of the most decorated British athletes of all time, but some of her biggest battles have been fought away from the track
Dame Kelly Holmes, one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, has faced some of her toughest challenges off the track. The 54-year-old, who publicly came out as gay in 2022, served nine years in the Women’s Royal Army Corps and the Adjutant General’s Corps from 1988 to 1997.
She achieved the rank of sergeant during a time when being gay in the Armed Forces was illegal. Holmes, an avid runner since her youth, put athletics on hold to pursue her Army career, only to rediscover her passion for the sport after watching the 1992 Summer Games.
Initially, Holmes juggled her Army duties with athletics until increased funding in 1997 allowed her to dedicate herself fully to the track. Her breakthrough came with a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, propelling her onto the global stage.
She continued to shine, bagging silver medals at the European and World Championships in 1994 and 1995 respectively. Holmes then represented Team GB at the 2000 Sydney Olympic…
