Welsh rugby, judo, weightlifting and wrestling international icon Non Evans has come out as gay.
In a highly emotional series of Tweets, she said: ‘Please don’t judge me I am gay.
‘Sorry it took me 30 years to say that.
‘I have always wanted to tell the world that I’m gay. But I didn’t want to upset my parents x’
The posts sparked a wave of overwhelming support online – garnering more than 2,000 likes, and a flurry of support from social media users and sports stars.
Popular Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE, who himself came out as gay in 2007, responded: ‘Lots of love x’
m only sorry that you felt you couldn’t say this until now. Society has changed but we have a long way to go. Here’s to the next 30 years being fully yourself,” one person replied.
Another commented: “What’s to judge? Delighted that you feel ready to share this with the world. Its who you are! It changes nothing because its something that you’ve clearly felt and known for at least 30 years! No, really, this is fantastic. I am very happy for you!”
DID YOU KNOW? The Welsh legend was the first woman to compete in three different sports at the Commonwealth Games.
Eight Inspiring Gay Rugby Players and Personalities
1. Gareth Thomas
He is one of the greatest rugby players in the history of the UK, captaining the Welsh international side as well as the British and Irish Lions during his career.
Thomas publicly came out in 2009 and has since described his experience as a secretly gay player, revealing how the social pressure and stereotypes pose a significant challenge for many athletes today.