Tom Daley Announces Retirement from Diving After Illustrious Career
- Five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley announces retirement from diving.
- Reflects on career highlights, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and impact beyond the sport.
- A legacy left by a British diving icon celebrated by the community.
Five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley has officially announced his retirement from diving, marking the end of a remarkable journey that began when he was just seven years old. Daley, now 30, made history in 2008 by becoming the youngest athlete to win the 10-meter platform event at the British National Championships at the age of 13. He went on to represent Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the youngest Olympians in history. In a heartfelt interview with the BBC, Daley reflected on his experiences, including his role as flagbearer at the Paris Games, which he described as a "bucket list" achievement. Throughout his career, Daley has garnered an impressive collection of medals, including one Olympic gold, one silver, and three bronze, alongside eight World Championship medals, four of which are gold. His journey has not been without personal challenges, as he lost his father to brain cancer in 2011, just before Daley's first Olympic medal win in 2012. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Daley has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2013, he publicly came out in a YouTube video, later marrying his husband, Dustin Lance, with whom he shares two children. Daley has also engaged in charitable work, partnering with Malibu and The Royal Life Saving Society UK to promote drowning prevention through a campaign featuring knitted clothing. As he steps away from competitive diving, Daley leaves behind a legacy of excellence in sport and advocacy, inspiring many both in and out of the pool.