Olympic diver Tom Daley has thanked supporters for backing his decision to announce he is in a gay relationship. The British diver posted a video to YouTube to say he was dating a man.
Daley’s (19) emotional admission garnered widespread support from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Afterwards he tweeted: “Overwhelmed by all the support! Means the world! Thanks so much guys”.
In his YouTube video, Daley (19) 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.”
Daley, whose father Rob Daley 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 2.4 million Twitter followers, with the message: “Got something I need to say. . . not been an easy decision to make, hope you can support me!” – (PA)