British diver Tom Daley recently announced his retirement from competitive diving after participating in his last event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Daley expressed that it was an emotional experience knowing it was his final dive, but felt at peace with his decision when he saw his family in the audience. He described feeling a lot of pressure and expectation going into the competition, but ultimately felt happy with his career and decision to retire.
In an interview with the BBC, Daley talked about the difficulty of saying goodbye to his sport but believed it was the right time. He mentioned that competing in front of his family and being able to be a flagbearer at the Olympics were bucket list items that he was able to achieve. Daley plans to spend more time with his husband, Dustin Lance Black, and their two sons, Robbie and Phoenix, now that he’s back from Paris.
Throughout his Olympic career, Daley won five medals across five Games, beginning as the second youngest Olympian in British history when he debuted at 14 years old in Beijing in 2008. He won bronze in 2012 and 2016, gold in 2020, and added a silver medal in Paris in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform event. Daley became the most decorated diver in British history with this achievement and expressed his pride and satisfaction in his career.
Daley has become a sensation both in and out of the pool, with his advocacy for the LGBTQ community, viral TikTok videos, and passion for knitting. He is known for his fashion sense, with his kids cheering him on at events, and he even refers to his knitting skills as a “superpower.” Daley has left a lasting impact on the diving world and hopes to be remembered as someone who persevered and never gave up on his dream.
Reflecting on his career, Daley expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the years and the fulfillment he found in achieving his goals. He credits his success to his determination and persistence and hopes to be remembered for his accomplishments in the sport. As he moves on from competitive diving, Daley looks forward to spending more time with his family and continuing to make a difference in the world through his various endeavors.
