Diver Tom Daley, 19, has thanked supporters for backing his decision to announce he is in a gay relationship.
He posted a video to YouTube yesterday to say he was dating a man.
He followed up with a Twitter post after the widespread support his emotional admission garnered from celebrities and fans alike. “Overwhelmed by all the support. Means the world. Thanks so much guys,” he posted yesterday afternoon. In his YouTube clip, Daley said he “couldn’t be happier” after revealing his gay relationship.
“I’ve never really had a serious relationship to talk about,” he said.
“Now I kind of feel ready to talk about my relationships.
“Come spring this year, my life changed massively when I met someone and it made me feel so happy, so safe and everything just feels great. And that someone is a guy.”
Daley said the relationship “felt right” and instantly changed his world.
“Of course I still fancy girls. But I mean, right now I’m dating a guy and I couldn’t be happier. It makes me feel safe and just really does feel right,” he said.
Daley, whose father Rob died in May 2011 following a battle with brain cancer, added: “People will think ‘What will your dad say?’ or ‘What would your dad have said?’.
He always said to me ‘As long as you’re happy, I’m happy’, and right now I couldn’t be happier.”
The teenage sports star posted a link to the video to his 2.4million Twitter followers, with the message: “Got something I need to say … not been an easy decision to make, hope you can support me.”
Support has been pouring in for the diver worldwide.
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell retweeted the message, while gay Australian comedian Josh Thomas joked: “I think Tom Daley is the best win for the homosexual agenda since Dumbledore.”
Former England footballer Gary Lineker said he hoped Daley’s announcement would pave the way for other gay athletes. Daley said: “I’m still Tom. I still want to win an Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016 for Great Britain. I’m still as motivated as ever to do that.”
He said the decision to reveal his relationship came after he was misquoted in an interview.