Rugby legend Gareth Thomas thanked the sporting world for their “amazing response” after he came out as gay Dec. 19.
The former Wales and British Lions skipper admitted he had feared a backlash from bigots after making the shocking revelation. In a press conference, he told how he endured almost 20 years of agony keeping his sexuality secret from teammates in the macho world of rugby. He hopes his decision to come out will help gay men in all walks of life combat prejudice.
“I just want to thank everyone for the amazing response I have received,” said Thomas, 35. “I hope that by saying this I can make a big difference to others in my situation.”
The 6-foot-3-inch athlete said his ex-wife has supported him and the two still remain friends. He also detailed his struggle with suicidal thoughts spanning his career.
“I was like a ticking bomb,” Thomas said. “I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn’t. It was who I was, and I just couldn’t ignore it any more.”
