Britain’s Tom Daley, a five-time Olympic diving medalist, announced on Monday that he is retiring from the sport. He made this decision after returning from the Paris Games, where he and his partner, Noah Williams, earned a silver medal in the men’s synchronized 10-meter event.
Daley, who had taken a break from diving following the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, made a comeback last year at the urging of his older son. His participation in the Paris Games marked a significant milestone, as he became the first British diver to compete in five Olympics.
Reflecting on his final competition, the 30-year-old Daley told British Vogue, “It was emotional standing on that platform, knowing it was my last competitive dive. But there comes a time when you have to step away, and this feels like the right moment. It’s time to close this chapter.”
Daley’s fame soared even higher after he publicly came out as gay in 2013. At the Tokyo Olympics, he won the gold medal in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform event.
Speaking to the NewsMen, a visibly emotional Daley said, “Saying goodbye to your sport is always tough. There’s a lot to think about, but I believe it’s the right time to move on. This year has been like a bonus, and I had the chance to compete with my family and kids watching. I even got to be a flag-bearer. I’ve checked off every item on my bucket list.”
