Tom Daley announces retirement from diving
August 13, 2024Tom Daley, a five-time Olympic medallist, has announced his retirement from diving, ‘BBC’ reports.
At 30 years old, Daley secured a silver medal with Noah Williams in the men’s synchronised 10m platform in Paris, achieving a complete set of Olympic medals with one of each colour.
Competing since the 2008 Games at the young age of 14, Daley earned bronze medals in the 10m platform in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021, and in the men’s synchronised 10m platform in Rio 2016.
Image Credit: Canva
In Tokyo, he claimed gold in the synchronised 10m platform event with Matty Lee and had unofficially retired after those Games. However, he chose to return for the Paris Games to perform in front of his two children.
“I'm really happy with how everything's gone,” Daley expressed emotionally to the BBC’s Meghan Owen upon Team GB’s return to London from Paris.
“It's always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but I think it's the right time. This year felt like such a bonus and I got to compete in front of my family, my kids. I got to be flagbearer. So yeah, bucket list ticked off on every occasion.”
Regarding his retirement plans, Daley shared: “I want to be with my family. I'm really excited to be able to spend some time with them and just be able to feel a bit normal for a couple of days.”
After achieving his lifelong ambition of winning gold in Tokyo in 2021, Daley took a two-year break from diving.
He returned to the sport upon the request of his son Robbie, now six, who expressed a desire to see his father compete at an Olympic Games.
Daley’s husband Dustin Lance Black, along with Robbie and their youngest son Phoenix, were present when he won silver with Williams.
Prior to the Games, Daley had already decided that Paris would mark his final competitive appearance.
“It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive,” Daley told Vogue.
“But I have to make the decision at some point, and it feels like the right time. It's the right time to call it a day.”
Daley retires as Team GB’s most decorated diver in Olympic history, having competed in five Games.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Tom Daley and Husband Dustin Lance Black Welcome New-Born Son
Tom Daley Tackles Homophobia Across Commonwealth In New BBC Documentary
Tom Daley “Incredibly Proud To Say I Am Gay And An Olympic Champion”
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black share baby pictures with Times of London
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews