(Photo Credits: Jim Thurston, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

British diving legend Tom Daley has officially announced his retirement from competitive diving following the 2024 Paris Olympics. The news marks the end of an illustrious 23-year career, during which Daley became one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, both for his extraordinary achievements and his role as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

“It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive,” he told Vogue in recently published interview. “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, who made his Olympic debut at the tender age of 14 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been a consistent presence on the international stage. Over his career, he competed in five Olympic Games, securing an impressive array of medals, including gold in the synchronized 10m platform event at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics alongside his diving partner Matty Lee. His other Olympic accolades include a bronze medal in the 10m platform at the 2012 London Games and another bronze in the synchronized 10m platform at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In an emotional statement, Daley reflected on his career with pride, noting that he has accomplished everything he set out to do. “I got to compete in front of my family, my kids and I got to be the flagbearer,” he told the BBC. “Bucket list ticked off on every occasion.” Daley served as a flag-bearer for Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Despite the bittersweet nature of the decision, Daley expressed that he felt it was the right time to step away from the sport and explore new avenues in his life. 

Daley’s influence extends far beyond the diving board. He has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, using his platform to inspire and support others. Since publicly coming out in 2013, he has become a role model for many, balancing his public and private life with grace and courage. Daley’s openness about his sexuality and his journey to self-acceptance has resonated with many, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the sporting world.

Even though Daley has hung up his diving suit, he remains involved in important causes, recently he fronted a responsible drinking campaign with Malibu Rum.

Malibu Rum has partnered with Daley and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and swimming, emphasizing that 25% of drowning incidents are linked to alcohol consumption. New research mentioned in a press release shows that 62% of Brits have gone swimming after drinking, with 78% of Gen Z drinkers feeling it’s acceptable to have a drink or two before hitting the water.

As he transitions into retirement, Daley plans to focus on his family, including his husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and their two children. He also hinted at continuing his advocacy work and possibly starting his own underwear and swimwear line. Daley reportedly signed up for a sewing class at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, adding to his already impressive talents in knitting and crocheting.

Daley’s retirement marks the end of an era in British diving, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure. His contributions to the sport, both in terms of athletic excellence and societal impact, will be remembered for years to come. As Daley bids farewell to competitive diving, he leaves behind a rich legacy of triumph, perseverance, and advocacy.

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