As some of you know, I was the photographer for the Crusaders Rugby League team last year which allowed me to work a bit with Gareth Thomas. For those who might not know him, Gareth’s international and club record in rugby union and Wales is very impressive to say the least.
But in 2009 when he revealed to the world that he was gay and intended to continue playing professional sport, his legend grew even bigger than anyone could have ever expected. Stonewall named him hero of the year, he was a guest at Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton, top shoe designer and good friend Christian Louboutin made a shoe for him Mickey Rourke is now making a biopic on Gareth’s life.
But the best thing about Gareth, which he shows on twitter and that you’ve all seen on Celebrity Big Brother, is that he’s simply an all-round good person. In the UK’s “Star System” where people are celebrities for no obvious reason, “Alfie” is a true role model when it comes to dedication in sport and demolishes every stereotype possible of how people see gay men. So many times I was left in awe in how much time he had for some of his fans and how despite his truly deserved admiration from legions of people in and outside of rugby circles, he’s always remained true to himself and to where he comes from. (Twitter fans will know how much he misses home when away!)
I think we’re all going to see a lot more of Gareth in the next couple of years and I think we’ll all be better for it.
See you soon “butt”!
Here are a few pictures we took last year of Gareth which I like. And of Christian Louboutin when he came to visit Gareth, simply because it was so surreal to be with him in Wrexham speaking French to each other!
