The End of an Era: Tom Daley Bids Farewell to Competitive Diving
It’s the end of an era. In a heartfelt interview with British Vogue, Tom Daley, the diver who has captured our hearts and inspired countless LGBTQ+ folks, has confirmed that his competitive diving days are behind him. Paris 2024, his fifth Olympic Games, was his final appearance on the world stage.
Born in Plymouth, UK, Daley started diving at an incredibly young age and gained prominence as the second youngest British diver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at just 14. Since then, he’s become a household name, winning bronze at the 2012 London Olympics—a proud moment for him and the nation.
He followed up with another bronze in Rio 2016 and then came Tokyo 2020, where Daley, along with his synchronized partner Matty Lee, struck gold in the 10-meter synchronized platform competition. He also added a third bronze in the 10-meter platform event.
Just a few days ago, he completed his set of Olympic medals in Paris by securing a silver in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform event alongside partner Noah Williams, making him the most decorated diver in British history, according to Team Great Britain.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Daley shared with Vogue, “It’s the right time to call it a day,” and reminisced about the emotions he felt during his final dive at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive. But I have to make the decision at some point, and it feels like the right time.”
Tom Daley also revealed that he had been carrying a lot of pressure and expectations going into the competition, but seeing his family in the audience brought him peace. We can’t forget that Daley had partially retired after Tokyo, only to be drawn back into the sport for one last Olympic run by his son Robbie’s wish to see his papa compete again. “I was eager for it to be done…but when I walked out and saw my husband and kids, and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this. I’m here, and no matter what happens in the competition itself, I’m going to be happy.”
This year, Daley had the honor of being the flag bearer for Team Great Britain, a moment he described as a “bucket list ticked off on every occasion.” Now, with his competitive career behind him, Tom plans to spend more time with his family.
Tom Daley publicly came out in 2013 and later confirmed his relationship with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. The couple married in 2017 and welcomed their son, Robbie, through surrogacy in June 2018. They expanded their family with the birth of their second son, Phoenix, in 2022. Daley and Black often share moments from their family life on social media, reflecting their dedication to both their personal and professional lives.
Daley is not just a diving legend; he’s also a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2022, he released Tom Daley: Illegal to Be Me, a documentary that explores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries where homosexuality is criminalized. The film contrasts these harsh realities with Daley’s public life and advocacy, highlighting his efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness about global discrimination.
Beyond the pool and his advocacy, Tom Daley has also become a viral sensation for his knitting and crocheting abilities—who could forget the image of him knitting while waiting to compete in Tokyo 2020? It took the internet by storm and only added to his charm.
As Daley steps away from the sport, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His Olympic career boasts 5 medals across 5 Olympics—1 Olympic Gold, 1 Olympic Silver, and 3 Olympic Bronzes. Beyond the Olympics, he’s also accumulated 4 World Golds, 2 World Silvers, 2 World Bronzes, 4 Commonwealth Golds, 1 Commonwealth Silver, 5 European Golds, and 3 European Silvers.
In Daley’s own words, “I would love for people to remember me for being a person that persevered, who persisted and didn’t give up on his dream until he was able to achieve it. To currently be Britain’s most decorated diver…I feel so incredibly proud. When I look back, I’m really, genuinely satisfied with what I’ve done.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Tom Daley, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Wherever his career takes him next, we’ll be cheering him on.
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Featured Image: Photo by Alex Pantling / Getty Images
