Welsh sportswoman Non Evans comes out as gay

18th July 2020

The sporting icon has competed in rugby union, judo, weightlifting and freestyle wrestling.

Welsh sporting legend Non Evans, who has competed in a host of sports, has come out as gay in a simple message posted on Twitter.

In the message, Non wrote: “Please don’t judge me I am Gay. Sorry taken me 30 years to say that x.”

https://twitter.com/NonEvans/status/1282966787563204611

She added that the reason she held back was fear of losing her parents, explaining: “I have always wanted to tell the World that I’m gay. But I didn’t want to upset my parents x.”

Evans has competed in a multitude of sports for Wales, winning a silver medal in the 2002 Commonwealth Games for judo, as well as competing in that year’s weightlifting event, becoming the first woman to compete in two separate events at the Commonwealth Games.

She competed on the Welsh women’s rugby team from 1996 to 2010, scoring 64 tries over the time period. She also came second in the British Championships for freestyle wrestling, and was an Olympic commentator for the 2012 Olympic Games for wrestling and weightlifting.

Since coming out, Non has received a host of support from fans, with one writing: “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.”

Another added: “I do judge that you have been a hugely successful sportswoman representing our nation, & also make a judgement that your experience & knowledge on diet & fitness will be in great demand, after lockdown. Nothing else to judge. You are a role model, Non.”

Sports journalist and 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.”

And former rugby player and referee Nigel Owens, who came out as gay in 2007, simply wrote: “Llawer o gariad x”, which translates to “Lots of love x.”

Non’s initial coming out tweet has since received over 13,000 likes on Twitter.