The Olympic diving star says he “couldn’t be happier”, as he speaks about his relationship in a video posted online.
He’s right, it shouldn’t matter! Well done Tom!
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Sky news reported the following:
Diving star Tom Daley has said he “couldn’t be happier” after revealing he is dating a man.
The 19-year-old, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, posted a video on YouTube in which he spoke for the first time about his relationship.
“I’ve never really had a serious relationship to talk about,” he said.
“Come spring this year, my life changed massively when I met someone.
“It made me feel so happy, so safe and everything just feels great. And that someone is a guy.
“It felt right. My whole world just changed, right there and then.”
He added: “Of course I still fancy girls. But I mean, right now I’m dating a guy and I couldn’t be happier … is it a big deal? I don’t think so.”
Daley, whose father Rob Daley died in May 2011 following a battle with brain cancer, said his family had mixed opinions about him talking about his sexuality.
“My Dad always said to me, ‘As long as you’re happy, I’m happy’. Right now, I couldn’t be happier.
“Mum has been so supportive and all my friends and family that I’ve told have been so supportive. It’s been great.
“But I told the rest my family today and, well, let’s just say they had mixed opinions.
“Lots of them didn’t believe it, lots of them wanted me to keep it quiet. Some said, ‘Why don’t you just issue a statement? What about a magazine cover?’ But I didn’t want my words to get twisted.”
Daley posted a link to the video to his 2.4 million Twitter followers, adding the message: “Got something I need to say … not been an easy decision to make. Hope you can support me.”
Responding to offensive tweets posted on Twitter in response to Daley’s video, former England footballer Gary Lineker tweeted: “They may be a small minority, but some of the homophobic bile on here is disgusting and pathetic. Grow up you morons!
“Hope the gay footballers who may be contemplating ‘coming out’ are encouraged by the groundswell of good feeling towards @TomDaley1994.”
