Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas supports Davies

Updated on: 02 March,2011 07:01 AM IST |
Agencies |

England cricketer Steven Davies, who became the first in the sport to reveal his gay nature on Monday, could inspire sportspersons "not to be ashamed of their sexuality", Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas has said. Thomas, with more than 100 international caps to his credit, was the first rugby union player to go public about his homosexuality.

"I'm really pleased for Steven (Davies) that he showed the courage and strength to tell everyone who he is, and I'm glad to see that he got the full support of the people who matter ufffd his family and teammates," Thomas (36) wrote in London's Mirror yesterday. "We can now add cricket to the short list of sports, where someone has had the bravery and honesty to tell the world they're gay... his bravery could inspire men and women, not just in cricket but other sports like professional football, not to be ashamed of their sexuality." Thomas, who went public with his sex preference towards the end of his career in 2009, said he contemplated committing suicide since society in his day was less liberal. "I contemplated suicide many times, for many years. I was married because it's what everybody expected of me. I don't think anyone can know what it's like to lie to your family and teammates every day. I was in the latter part of my career when I came out. I often wonder if I could have performed 10% better at my sport if I had come out earlier."

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