Dame Kelly Holmes – The Power of Authenticity
Tue Feb 03 2026
Dame Kelly Holmes is a double Olympic gold medallist and a true symbol of resilience. In this milestone 100th episode, Kelly shares her incredible journey from overcoming injuries and personal challenges to becoming a leading advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this honest conversation, Kelly opens up about her struggles with mental health, including her experiences with self-harm and the pressures of being a high-performing athlete. She reflects on her groundbreaking achievements at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she made history as the first British female athlete to win two gold medals at the same Games.
Kelly also discusses her time in the military, the challenges of discovering her sexuality in an environment where being gay was illegal, and the impact of societal expectations on her life. She shares her decision to come out publicly in 2022, emphasising the importance of living authentically and the freedom that comes with it.
This episode is not just about sports; it's about resilience, identity, and the power of community. Tune in to hear Kelly's inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way.
You can now subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts which allows you to listen to the full episode ad-free and enjoy some bonus Behind The Scenes content.
Don't forget to please follow the show and leave a review to help us grow.
This episode is sponsored by @physiquemgmt. Use code lemon10 for a 10% discount on their website. (Discount codes cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or promotions, and exclusions apply to select high-value items.)
Follow Dame Kelly Holmes on Instagram @damekellyholmes
Follow the podcast on Instagram @lifelemonspodcast
Emma’s Website: https://emmalevy.me
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dame Kelly Holmes is a double Olympic gold medallist and a true symbol of resilience. In this milestone 100th episode, Kelly shares her incredible journey from overcoming injuries and personal challenges to becoming a leading advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. In this honest conversation, Kelly opens up about her struggles with mental health, including her experiences with self-harm and the pressures of being a high-performing athlete. She reflects on her groundbreaking achievements at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she made history as the first British female athlete to win two gold medals at the same Games. Kelly also discusses her time in the military, the challenges of discovering her sexuality in an environment where being gay was illegal, and the impact of societal expectations on her life. She shares her decision to come out publicly in 2022, emphasising the importance of living authentically and the freedom that comes with it. This episode is not just about sports; it's about resilience, identity, and the power of community. Tune in to hear Kelly's inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way. You can now subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts which allows you to listen to the full episode ad-free and enjoy some bonus Behind The Scenes content. Don't forget to please follow the show and leave a review to help us grow. This episode is sponsored by @physiquemgmt. Use code lemon10 for a 10% discount on their website. (Discount codes cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or promotions, and exclusions apply to select high-value items.) Follow Dame Kelly Holmes on Instagram @damekellyholmes Follow the podcast on Instagram @lifelemonspodcast Emma’s Website: https://emmalevy.me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.