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Gareth Thomas

ゲイレス・トーマス

Gareth Thomas

Aliases: Alfie

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1974-07-25 （Sarn, Bridgend, Wales）
Nationality
Welsh
Languages
English
Religion
Unknown
Residence History
Sarn, Bridgend, Wales → Cardiff, Wales → Toulouse, France

Career

Occupations
Rugby player, Sports commentator
Active Years
1994-2011
Affiliations
Bridgend RFC, Cardiff RFC, Cardiff Blues, Stade Toulousain, Crusaders RL

Awards

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
2020
Organization: UK Government
Result: 受賞
Stonewall Hero of the Year
2010
Organization: Stonewall
Result: 受賞
Sports Book of the Year
2015
Work: Proud
Organization: British Sports Book Awards
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Proud

2014 Autobiography

Autobiography detailing his rugby career, coming out as gay, HIV diagnosis, and personal struggles.

LGBTQSportsHealthCourage

Bibliography

  • Proud

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Direct and powerful narrative style
Recurring Motifs
Struggles with identityBreaking stigma

Health

  • Ruptured neck artery (suspected stroke)
    2006年2月
    Hospitalized, feared retirement but returned to play
  • HIV positive
    2019年公表
    Public disclosure to break stigma, advocacy, documentaries

Legacy

One of Wales' most capped rugby players. Pioneered as the first openly gay professional rugby player, advocating for LGBTQ rights. Autobiography 'Proud' won Sports Book of the Year; appointed CBE.

In Popular Culture

  • Appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice, and various TV shows

Quotes

  • I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player, first and foremost. I am a man.
    Source: Daily Mail interview (2009)

Trivia

  • Nickname 'Alfie'
  • First Welsh player to reach 100 test matches
  • One of few to switch from rugby union to league
  • Completed Ironman Wales in 2019 after HIV disclosure