Tom Daley announces he’s retiring from diving

Tom Daley, the gay British diver and Olympic champion, has officially announced his retirement from competitive diving. Daley’s decision comes after an intensely emotional final performance during the Paris Olympics, where he competed in the synchronized 10m platform event alongside his partner Matty Lee.

Representing the United Kingdom proudly, Daley was one of the two flagbearers during the opening ceremony. The Paris Aquatics Centre was filled with a significant number of Daley’s supporters, including his husband and children, providing fervent cheers from the stands. The pair’s performance led them to secure a silver medal, finishing second to China’s Lian Junjie and Yang Hao.

“It’s just so special,” remarked Daley after the event. “Doing it in front of my son who asked me to come back is so special. I now have one [medal] of every colour; I’ve completed the set.” His sons donned T-shirts bearing the words ‘That’s my Papa,’ adding to the poignancy of the event. Daley’s first signs of emotion were visible as he blew a kiss to his family from the medal podium.

Daley’s announcement of retirement was formally made during an interview with Vogue. “It was emotional up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive,” he shared. “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.”

Reflecting on the heightened emotions during his last appearance, Daley said, “I felt so nervous knowing it was my last Olympics. There was a lot of pressure and expectation. I was eager for it to be done, but when I saw my husband, kids, my friends, and family in the audience, I was like, ‘this is exactly why I did this.'”

Upon his return to London with other Team GB members, Daley expressed his sentiments to the BBC. “Coming back to a reception like this is so special,” he remarked. “It’s always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but it’s the right time.”

Daley also extended his gratitude to his supporters. “The support I’ve had has been incredible. Thank you to everyone who’s been with me. I guess it’s the end of an era, but I can look back on my 23 years and be very proud.”