Tom Daley Aims to Enjoy “Bonus Year” at Paris Olympics with Family in Tow

Tom Daley, Britain’s diving veteran, is heading to the Paris Olympics with a renewed perspective. After claiming the coveted gold medal in synchronized 10m platform diving at the Tokyo Olympics, Daley’s focus has shifted from chasing gold to cherishing the experience with his family by his side.

From Olympic Glory to Family Man

Daley, now 30 years old, will become the first British diver to compete at five Olympics. He recalls the intense pressure that overshadowed his previous Olympic experiences: “In Beijing, London and Rio, I tortured myself through the whole experience because I wanted to do well so badly,” Daley admits. However, this time around, with an Olympic gold already secured, Daley views Paris as a “bonus year” to relish the competition and create lasting memories.

His wife, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and their two sons, Robbie (6) and Phoenix (1), will be cheering him on from the stands. Daley acknowledges the potential for this Olympics to be his last: “I don’t know about six [Olympics]. But I said that the last time and here I am.” This awareness fuels his desire to be fully present and soak in every moment.

Interestingly, it was Daley’s eldest son, Robbie, who inadvertently sparked his return to diving. During a visit to the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in 2023, Robbie’s curiosity about Daley’s past achievements reignited the diver’s passion. Witnessing his father’s emotional response to a video on Olympism, Robbie expressed a desire to see his dad compete again. That simple request was all it took for Daley to embark on his comeback journey.

Overcoming Challenges and Building a New Partnership

Returning to top form wasn’t without its hurdles. Daley’s body, a decade older than his 2008 Olympic debut, required a more cautious approach to training. He began slowly, keeping his comeback a secret until he could assess his physical capabilities.

Daley will compete solely in the synchronized event alongside 24-year-old Noah Williams. Their partnership formed in November 2023 after Matty Lee, Daley’s synchronized partner from Tokyo, sustained an injury. Despite the short timeframe, Daley is confident in their potential: “We’ve worked together as a team really well and started to get consistent scores just as high, if not higher, than some of the ones we were doing with Matty. We’re in a really good space going into Paris,” Daley says.

A Look Back and a Look Forward

Reflecting on his extraordinary career, Daley expresses a sense of disbelief at reaching five Olympics: “I had it in my mind I wanted to go to five Olympic Games but I never thought it would be possible.” While aiming for a strong performance, his main objective is to create lasting memories with his family and savour this unique experience.

Daley’s journey from a young, gold-hungry athlete to a seasoned competitor prioritizing family serves as an inspiration. Paris 2024 promises to be a special Olympics for Daley, a culmination of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his loved ones.

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