One of Britain’s greatest Olympians and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights has been given the Freedom of the City of London – on a day of Pride celebration in the Square Mile.

Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes received the accolade ahead of appearing at a star-studded Pride panel event at The Mansion House, official residence of the Lady Mayor of the City of London, where she was guest of honour.

The athlete scaled the heights in her field by winning 800-metre and 1500-metre gold medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, having overcome injuries and struggles with mental health earlier in her career.

In 2022 she said she ‘finally felt free’ after coming out as a gay woman, having hidden her sexuality for decades due to fear, especially while serving in the Army at a time when gay people were banned from serving.

Speaking after receiving the Freedom, Dame Kelly Holmes said:

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this very special recognition. It’s something I feel genuinely proud of, particularly knowing the history and significance behind the Freedom.

“Much of my life has been about finding the confidence to be myself on and off the track. Being able to speak openly about my experiences and connect with others who feel the same has been hugely important.

“It’s a privilege to be part of Pride activity across the City and to see so many people coming together. Days like this are a powerful reminder of why visibility and inclusion, and creating spaces where everyone can belong, really matter.”

Dame Kelly answered questions about her life, career and LGBTQ+ issues at a panel event organised by City of London Corporation City Pride staff network.

The event, supported by bridge owner and charity funder City Bridge Foundation and Amazon, featured guests from the LGBTQ+ community and the world of showbiz, culminating in a performance by Heather Small of her 2000 hit and gay anthem Proud.

Guests included Birds of a Feather actor Linda Robson, Amanda Collier from The Traitors, trans advocate and TV personality Ella Morgan, Dr Ranj Singh, swimmer and presenter Michael Gunning and actors Gabriel Constantin and Lee Knight.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said:

“Dame Kelly Holmes’ achievements as an athlete and her courage in sharing her story make her an inspiring and thoroughly deserving recipient of the Freedom of the City of London. Pride activity like this brings together communities, businesses and civic leadership, and reflects our commitment to making the City a place where everyone feels welcome and able to be themselves.”

Also speaking at the event was Alderman Tim Hailes – one of two elected Members of the City of London Corporation to nominate Dame Kelly for the Freedom – who, subject to election, is in line to become the City’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, taking up office in November.

Alderman Tim Hailes said:

“I’ve long admired Dame Kelly not just for what she achieved on the track, but for the honesty and strength she has shown in telling her story. That combination of resilience, talent and authenticity is incredibly powerful to me, and it felt absolutely right to recognise her in this way at a moment that celebrates the diversity of our City.”

The City Corporation’s Lead Member for Sport and former Pride Trust and LGBT Foundation board member, Edward Lord OBE, who jointly nominated Dame Kelly for her Freedom, said:

“Dame Kelly Holmes stands as an extraordinary role model, both through her sporting achievements and the impact she has had since. Her journey will resonate with so many people and, having known Kelly through both sport and her LGBTQ+ advocacy, I was proud to support her nomination for the Freedom as someone who truly embodies the values of openness, inclusion and belonging.”

The Mansion House event was followed by the now customary Pride flag raising at Guildhall, headquarters of the City Corporation, and was one of a series of activities across the Square Mile during Pride month.

Event listings and details of how to sign up for Pride in the Square Mile, part of the City Belonging Project connecting communities in the City, can be found at https://belongingproject.city/pride