Sixteen years have passed since first graced the teenage Tom Daley Olympic stage. At just 14 years old, Daley made his debut at the 2008 Beijing Games. Now, 5,831 days later, he is set to return for his fifth Olympics in Paris, partnering with Noah Williams in the men’s synchro 10m platform competition at 10:00 BST.
In a candid interview with BBC Sport, Daley reflected on his tumultuous journey. Over the years, he has not only clinched an Olympic gold but also navigated profound personal changes: the loss of his father, his marriage to Dustin Lance Black, fathering two sons, and a semi-retirement before making a surprising comeback.
“A Very Tortured Soul” – Navigating Fame from Youth
Tom Daley Olympic rise to fame began early. At 13, he secured gold at the European Championships, followed by a seventh-place finish in the individual event at the Beijing Olympics. He came out as gay in 2013, shortly after winning his first medal at the London Games.
Reflecting on his youth, Daley shared, “Growing up, feeling out of place and different, I believed I had to overachieve to cover up what I thought was wrong with me. I felt like a very tortured soul during that time. I struggled with being away from home and my parents, often crying at the thought of staying overnight without them.”
“I Wish Dad Had Seen Me Win” – Remembering His Father
In the early stages of his career, Daley was supported by his father, Rob. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, Rob passed away in 2011, just 14 months before the London Olympics.
Daley reminisced, “My dad was incredibly dedicated, always doing whatever it took to support me. His sacrifices were special, and I hope he never regretted the time he spent traveling with me. Now, as a parent myself, I strive to follow his example. I deeply wish he had been there to see me win an Olympic medal.”
“Into the Fun Side of It” – Son’s Interest in Diving
Daley’s family life took a new turn with the birth of his son, Robbie, in 2018, named after Daley’s late father, followed by Phoenix in 2023. Robbie has shown an early interest in diving.
Daley chuckled, “Robbie enjoys coming to my training sessions and even tried the 3m diving board at four. He’s all about having fun but also gives me unsolicited advice, saying things like, ‘Papa, I know how to do it.’ Although he complains about leg pain on hikes, I’m not sure he’s quite ready for the sport.”
“I Was There Crying” – The Catalyst for His Return
At the Tokyo 2021 Games, Daley won gold in the 10m synchronized event with Matty Lee. After relocating to the US and effectively retiring, Daley’s return was sparked by a visit to the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado.
Daley recalled, “I was deeply moved by a video about the sacrifices required to become an Olympian. I ended up crying, and Robbie noticed, asking, ‘Papa, what’s wrong?’ Lance saw me crying and understood immediately. I told Robbie how much I missed Olympic diving, and his simple wish to see me dive again was the turning point.”
“It’s for Them” – The Paris Goals
In Paris, Daley, now 30, will focus solely on the 10m synchronized event, having secured silver with Noah Williams at the World Championships earlier this year. This will be Daley’s first Olympic experience with an audience since Rio 2016, as Tokyo was held in empty venues due to Covid-19.
Daley said, “I’m excited to compete in front of a crowd again. The real thrill will come from seeing my family—my husband, kids, and loved ones—in the stands. This year’s comeback is all about them. I often dream of my final dive, thinking, ‘This is it.’ This moment is for them.”
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