Nicola Adams to host BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast
Launching on BBC Sounds on 26 June, the podcast will feature positive, inclusive and inspiring stories from across LGBTQ+ sporting community, bringing fans together and to celebrate.
Nicola, who was the first ever woman to win a boxing gold medal at the Olympics, is speaking to a host of sporting stars about their careers, personal struggles, and journeys to boost inclusivity within their chosen sports.
The first episode will feature Nicola chatting to Dame Kelly Holmes – about her career in the military, winning two Olympic Gold Medals, and her coming out journey.
In the podcast, Dame Kelly said: 'I was into sport before I joined the army, it was my life. And then I wanted a career in the forces, but I realised I was gay quite early on.
'At the time, you could get kicked out of the army, jailed, and lose you long service medals – which take a minimum of five years to get.
'The thought of that was just terrifying to me at 22. So of course, it manifested itself into fear – which is why I only came out three years ago. But I loved my career. You have a love-hate relationship with lots of things, right?'
Dame Kelly also spoke about her trepidation leading up to her iconic double-gold medal win in the Athens 2004 Olympic games, saying: 'I previously ruptured my calf completely from side to side. I tore my Achilles. And in Athens, ironically hobbled down the track thinking that's it's over.
'That whole Olympics was based on 'I cannot get injured'. Because of all the ups and downs in my career, I never actually knew what I was best at.
'I believed I could win two medals, but I never thought about winning two golds. It wasn't that I disbelieved it. I just didn't want to believe it too much!'
Other guests on the podcast include Paralympic Gold Medallist rower Lauren Rowles, football referee Ryan Atkin, racing driver Charlie Martin, and England Rugby player Sarah Bern – ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup later this Summer.
Nicola, who won two Olympic Gold medals for boxing in the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 games, will also delve into her own experiences during her boxing career from the amateurs to professional ranks – and the importance of resilience and representation in sport.
Nicola said: "As a proud gay athlete, it's a huge honour to present this celebration of LGBTQ+ Sport which brings so many different people together! Speaking with these amazing competitors from a wide variety of sports – each with their own personal story to tell - has been truly inspiring. Each episode shines a light on a different LGBTQ+ sporting hero who share brilliant insights, and positive messages from our community. Meeting all these inspiring sports people has been a thrilling experience, and I can't wait for listeners to join us."
Stephanie Marshall, the BBC's Head of Content and Production for the West, South West, and Local Sport, said: 'What better way to mark Pride Month 2025, and to kick-off another fantastic summer of sport, than to hear from some of the LGBTQ+ community's most prominent sporting stars? Bringing people together with some outstanding figures in sport telling their stories, we'll also be diving into the wider 'playing field' of sport – including officiating, motor sport, and more!'
The LGBT Sport podcast will launch on BBC Sounds from Thursday 26 June, with episodes releasing weekly.
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