Nigel Owens reflects on an inspiring message he received after the darts final, highlighting the importance of representation in sports.
Cardiff: So, Nigel Owens recently opened up about a touching message he got after the darts final. He’s not a huge darts fan, but he enjoys it, especially when his buddy Jonny Clayton is playing. He reminisced about watching legends like Jocky Wilson back in the day.
While everyone was buzzing about Luke Littler winning the World Championship, Nigel wanted to shine a light on Huw Ware, the referee. He learned that Huw made history as the first openly gay man to officiate a World Darts Championship final, which is pretty amazing.
In an interview, Huw mentioned that Nigel inspired him during the 2015 World Cup final. Hearing that really touched Nigel. It’s all about showing others that they can reach the top, just like he did.
Nigel has had people tell him he’s inspired them, especially regarding their sexuality or mental health. He doesn’t share his story for attention; he wants to help others who might be struggling like he once did.
He reflected on his own journey, noting that when he was refereeing, there were no openly gay players or referees. It was tough not having anyone to look up to. He worried about how rugby would accept him if his sexuality became known.
But once he came out, he felt free, and his refereeing improved. He pointed out that when someone at the top comes out, it encourages others to do the same, no matter the sport.
Nigel believes that everyone deserves a fair shot, regardless of their background. He praised trailblazers in rugby refereeing, emphasizing that it’s about being the best for the job, not just ticking boxes for diversity.
He recalled advice from Derek Bevan: a happy referee is a good referee. Imagine living a lie at work; it would be impossible to enjoy it. Being your true self is key to success.
Nigel mentioned Tom Daley as another example of someone who embraced their identity and thrived. He’s sure Huw feels the same way about being open about who he is.
Despite progress, there are still people questioning why these stories matter. Nigel insists they do because homophobia is still an issue, especially on social media. It’s crucial to keep raising awareness and celebrating LGBTQ+ successes.
He’s committed to sharing his story to inspire others. While society has come a long way, there’s still work to do. Many people, including young ones, are still afraid to be themselves.
Nigel is proud to have inspired Huw and believes Huw’s achievements will motivate many more in the future.
