Professional golfer Mel Reid has publicly come out as gay.
Reid, 31, shared the news with , an organisation dedicated to advocating for LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in sports. The British sportswoman, who has won the Ladies European Tour six times, also announced that she would become an ambassador for Athlete Ally - admitting that she once feared the repercussions of being who she was.
“I protected my sexuality for a long time because I thought I had to in order to help my career and to get more sponsors," Reid said.
“But then I started to wonder why these companies would want to sponsor me and have me represent them if I can’t be my authentic self."
The champion added: “There is only one of you in the world and you have one life, so be the best version of yourself and be proud of who you are. That’s when you attract the right people around you to make you better, and ultimately, happier.”
