Tom Daley: Soccer Star Jake Daniels Coming Out Is Incredibly Brave
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Tom Daley says soccer star Jake Daniels coming out was incredibly brave and powerful.
Earlier this week, 17-year-old Daniels became the first professional in UK men’s football for more than 30 years to come out while still playing.
He said he was inspired by three-time Olympian Daley and Australian footballer Josh Cavallo.
“It’s just incredible,” Daley, 28, told American news website the Daily Beast.
“I think about what it means for any queer young kids growing up thinking now, ‘Maybe I do now have a space in football. Maybe I will get in. Maybe I will be welcomed.’
“It’s not just that the queer community has been so celebratory of it, but the fact of seeing people like [England captain] Harry Kane speaking out about how amazing it is.
“Straight footballers at the top of the game are commending him, and I think for visibility in the sport it’s just incredible. Jake and Josh Cavallo are paving the way.
“The fact that Jake came out is a really powerful message to send. It’s so incredibly brave it might encourage people to be brave and more people to come out, able to be themselves.”
