Trailblazing Welsh rugby, judo, weightlifting and wrestling star, Non Evans, just came out as gay
Non Evans (Instagram)
Welsh rugby, judo, weightlifting and wrestling international icon Non Evans has come out as gay.
The sporting icon, who has had a long and storied career, opened up about her sexuality on Twitter today (July 14).
The 46-year-old tweeted: “Please don’t judge me, I am gay. Sorry, taken me 30 years to say that.”
In a follow-up tweet, Evans explained that she has always wanted to open up about her sexuality, but chose not to as she didn’t want to upset her parents.
“I have always wanted to tell the world that I’m gay,” she added, “but I didn’t want to upset my parents.”
Sporting icon Non Evans has been met with a wave of love and support after coming out as gay.
The sporting legend has been inundated with supportive and loving messages since coming out publicly on Twitter.
“I’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!”
Please don’t judge me, I am gay. Sorry, taken me 30 years to say that.
“It’s never too late, and should always be on your own terms! Visibility matters, so thank you Non!”
Sports commentator Nick Heath wrote: “Sending big love and hugs to you, Non. Hope you’re feeling free, happy and liberated at being able to finally be you. There are loads of us and we’re here for you.”
She has been met with a wave of positivity from hundreds of well-wishers since coming out.
Could not possibly be prouder of Non. https://t.co/S9B9GfrQD6
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) July 14, 2020
Sat here with a smile on my face, watching all the love roll in for @NonEvans #welsh #legend #loveislove #BU pic.twitter.com/EQyyyHRWCe— Siân B Moore (@siani_moore) July 14, 2020
Hey Non, good for you… It must feel very liberating to say it out loud! ? You have always been a sporting icon and pioneer for women’s sport and now you are an inspiration to whole new generation ? #Inclusion #Equality #LGBT pic.twitter.com/ZhuqnAeW0K— Gareth Kear (@KearGareth) July 14, 2020
Hi Non, sending love and solidarity – sharing your truth with friends, family, or on social media is always a big step. Wishing you a happy day of feeling free and many happy tomorrows too – you’re part of a big #LGBT+ and allies community in sport and we’re proud to welcome you!— Sports Media LGBT+ (@SportsMediaLGBT) July 14, 2020
The Welsh legend was the first woman to compete in three different sports at the Commonwealth Games.
Evans made her debut in rugby playing against Scotland in 1996 and went on to play for Wales in 84 games. She announced her retirement from rugby in December 2010.
She won silver medals at both the 1992 and 1996 Commonwealth Judo Championships and has also competed as a weightlifter.
In 2010, following her retirement from rugby, she had a brief stint as a freestyle wrestler at the Commonwealth Games, making her the first woman to compete in three different sports at the event.
Evans was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2011 Birthday Honours for services to sport, making her the first ever female rugby player to receive the award.
