Team GB Diver Tom Daley Announces Retirement
Tom Daley, one of Britain's most beloved Olympians, has officially retired from diving after a remarkable career that saw him secure five Olympic medals over five different Games.
The 30-year-old announced his decision following a silver-medal performance in the men's synchronised 10m platform event at the Paris Olympics, where he competed alongside Noah Williams.
Daley first made his Olympic debut as a 14-year-old in Beijing in 2008 and has since become Team GB's most decorated diver, earning one bronze medal in London 2012, one in Rio 2016, another bronze in Tokyo 2021, and finally, his much-desired gold in the 10m synchronised dive in Tokyo.
Reflecting on his journey, Daley shared that this year's Games were particularly special as he had the chance to compete in front of his family, including his two sons, Robbie and Phoenix.
"It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive," Daley said. "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 had taken a two-year break from the sport after Toky when he was initially considering retirement. However, his son Robbie's wish to see him dive at the Olympics once more inspired his return to the pool. This time, Daley knew from the start that Paris would be his last competition.
Daley looks to the future
As he steps away from the sport, Daley is excited about the future. A passionate knitter and crocheter, he has already enrolled in a sewing course at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles.
"I’ve also enrolled in a class, a course at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, to be able to learn how to sew," Daley told Vogue. "I knit and I crochet, but sewing will just add a whole different level of knowledge as to how to construct things."
Beyond his newfound passion for fashion, Daley is looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying a bit of normalcy after years in the spotlight. He expressed immense pride in his achievements, saying, "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."
While Daley's competitive diving days have come to an end, his influence on the sport and his legacy as one of Britain's greatest athletes will endure for years to come. As he embarks on this new chapter, Daley leaves behind a storied career that has inspired countless fans and fellow athletes alike.
