Tom Daley Tearfully Announces Retirement After 2024 Olympics

Tom Daley Tearfully Announces Retirement After 2024 Olympics

As a dedicated follower of Tom Daley‘s remarkable journey, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions as he embarks on this new chapter post-Paris Olympics. From his youthful debut at the tender age of 14 to his golden moment and countless medals, it’s been an inspiring ride watching him evolve both in and out of the pool.


Tom Daley is diving into a new chapter after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As an overjoyed admirer, I can’t help but share the news that my cherished sports hero from Team Great Britain, who has captured our hearts for five remarkable Olympic Games through his gold-medal feats and heartwarming knitting ventures, has formally hung up his jersey in a poignant interview with the BBC on August 12th. This decision leaves Paris without his radiant presence.

“Tom, visibly emotional, shared with the camera, ‘It’s tough to discuss this, it’s deeply felt.’ The BBC host, sensing his distress, allowed him a pause and said comfortingly, ‘The entire U.K. is incredibly proud of you, and what an achievement to return with your silver medal! You must feel tremendously proud.'”

As for what Tom, a 30-year-old father of two (Robert “Robbie” Ray, 6, and Phoenix Rose, 16 months), who is in a relationship with Dustin Lance Black, eagerly anticipates upon his return from this year’s Games, he had an ideal response.

“As a family-oriented individual, I eagerly look forward to reuniting with my loved ones. The joy I anticipate from simply being in their presence and experiencing a sense of normalcy for a while is indescribable. However, the excitement also brings a bit of overwhelm, as there’s so much to catch up on. Yet, despite the timing not being ideal, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of pride about my professional journey.”

Tom Daley Tearfully Announces Retirement After 2024 Olympics

Throughout his five Olympic appearances, starting at just 14 when he first qualified, Tom has amassed an impressive collection of five medals: one gold, three bronzes, and most recently, a silver won during the Paris Games.

Tom expressed his sentiment, “It’s been quite a lot, but I’m genuinely content with how everything has unfolded.” He further explained, “Parting ways with my sport is never easy. There’s so much to ponder, but I believe the timing is apt. In essence, this year felt like an unexpected gift.”

Tom shared that he crossed numerous items from his bucket list while in Paris. He elaborated by saying, “I had the opportunity to compete in front of my loved ones, including my children, and I was honored to serve as the flagbearer.”

Tom, who found himself unusually emotional, took a moment to ponder the impact he’s made on his kids through his life experiences and expressed gratitude to his fans, both near and far, with a heartfelt message of appreciation.

“He expressed that Robbie and Phoenix must feel extremely proud of him,” he stated, also acknowledging his team from Great Britain. “The backing I received from Great Britain has been simply astonishing. A big thank you to everyone who’s stood by me through this entire journey. As an era comes to a close, I can reflect on my 23 years with great pride.”

During an interview with Vogue prior to his retirement announcement, which coincided with his public confirmation, Tom offered a glimpse into potential plans for his future.

He shared that he signed up for a class at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles to learn sewing skills. Although he already knows how to knit and crochet, he believes that sewing will provide an additional dimension of understanding on how to make garments. Currently, he has designed a few underwear pieces which he plans to release soon, and he is also looking forward to starting a swimsuit project the following year.

Tom Daley Tearfully Announces Retirement After 2024 Olympics

Despite acknowledging that he’s poured his entire life into this endeavor, he confessed that letting go will be challenging and making the transition to a new structure for his days will require significant adaptation.

Stepping away from diving, he not only departs as Britain’s most accomplished diver but also a pioneer for future LGBTQ athletes in sports. Consequently, he is leaving behind an inspiring legacy.

“He pondered over the idea of being remembered as someone who never gave up on their dreams, someone who kept pushing forward and eventually made them come true.”

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2024-08-12 18:47