By Duncan Mackay

 

October 27 - Dame Kelly Holmes (pictured) has spoken to insidethegames for the first time about her battle to launch her new charity, the DKH Legacy Trust, which she set up to help retired sportsmen and women adjust to life away from competition.

 

In an exclusive interview with Mike Rowbottom published today, the double Olympic gold medallist claims that she has faced opposition to the idea from administrators jealous at her plans.

 

She said: "I’ve really got to know the world of sport, and its politics with a small 'p'.

 

"I've had a lot of battles to fight with people who didn't want me to be in their space.

 

"If you start something, people think you might be treading on their toes, or doubling up what they do.
 
"I've had a lot of knock-backs, some of them from people you would have expected to be supportive.

 

"It's been hurtful and demoralising at times.

 

"But me being me I thought: 'No. I really believe in this.'"

 

 

Dame Kelly's revelations followed her call at the weekend for women to be given a greater role in the running of sport in Britain.

 

She told The Sunday Times: "We need to give them [women] confidence.

 

"Over the next few years, we have a real opportunity to develop sport, starting with the Commonwealth Games [in New Delhi] next year.

 

"Then we stage in this country the London Olympics, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, the rugby union World Cup and possibly the football World Cup in 2018.

 

"We have to have more women at the top so that their influence can filter down.

 

"Governing bodies should be using the expertise and professionalism of their retiring sportswomen to help guide them in decision-making."

 

Holmes is carving out a successful new career for herself as a sports administrator.

 

Besides the DKH Legacy Trust, she is continuing to run On Camp With Kelly, which is supported by Aviva and is helping some of Britain's most promsing young female and male middle-distance runners, and was recently elected as the new President of Commonwealth Games England.

 

Dame Kelly said that she has received support from some organisations.

 

She told insidethegames: "Sport England has been very supportive.

 

"And we have also appreciated the support of the British Olympic Association.

 

"We are always on the look-out for partnerships with other organisations."

 

To read the full interview click here.

 

Photography by: Patrick Khachfe