He was fourteen years old when the world first saw him on the boards in Beijing. A skinny kid from Plymouth with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Honestly, back in 2008, nobody knew if Tom Daley Olympic diver would be a flash in the pan or a legend. Most child prodigies burn out by twenty. They can't handle the scrutiny or the way their bodies change. Tom didn't just survive; he basically redefined what a British athlete looks like in the modern age.
He retired for good after the Paris 2024 Games. It felt different this time. In Tokyo, he finally got that elusive gold, but the stands were empty because of the pandemic. Paris was the "bonus round." He came back because his son, Robbie, wanted to see him dive. That's a hell of a reason to put your body through the wringer one last time.
The Evolution of a Legend
If you look at the stats, they're kind of ridiculous. Five Olympic medals. One gold, one silver, three bronze. He's the first British diver to hit that number. But the numbers don't tell you about the 1.6 seconds. That's the name of his 2025 documentary, by the way. It refers to the exact amount of time a diver has from leaving the platform to hitting the water.
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In that tiny window, everything happens. Your life’s work is judged by how clean your entry is.
Tom's career wasn't a straight line to the top. There were some really dark spots. Losing his father, Robert, to brain cancer in 2011 was devastating. Robert was his biggest fan, the guy who sat in the front row of every meet. Then came the "disaster" in Rio 2016. He was the favorite for individual gold but didn't even make the final. People were ready to write him off. They thought he was too focused on celebrity life or his YouTube channel.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Knitting
You've seen the photos of him knitting poolside. It became a whole meme during Tokyo. People thought it was just a quirky hobby or a PR stunt. It wasn't. It was a psychological tool.
Diving is high-stress. You spend hours waiting for a six-second performance. Your brain can eat you alive in that downtime. Knitting gave him something to do with his hands. It kept his heart rate down. Now, it’s a full-blown business called Made With Love by Tom Daley. He’s selling knit kits and collaborating with Woolmark. It’s funny how a coping mechanism turned into a post-career empire.
Life After the 10m Platform
So, what is he doing now? He’s thirty. In the real world, that’s young. In diving, you’re basically a grandfather.
- Family Life in LA: He lives in Los Angeles now with his husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black.
- Fatherhood: They have two sons, Robbie and Phoenix. Robbie is actually the one who convinced him to come back for Paris.
- Advocacy: Tom has never been quiet about LGBTQ+ rights. He used his platform to highlight countries where being gay is a death sentence. That’s a lot of weight to carry when you’re also trying to nail a reverse 3.5 somersault.
- The "1.6 Seconds" Documentary: Released recently, it’s a raw look at his final year. It’s not just a highlight reel. It shows the physical toll—the ice baths, the tape holding his body together, the mental exhaustion.
He's also moved into the fashion space. Not just the knitting, but actual high-end design. It makes sense. He spent half his life in Stella McCartney-designed Team GB trunks. He knows a bit about fabric.
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The Paris Farewell
The silver medal he won in Paris with Noah Williams was the perfect ending. It completed the set. He already had the gold and the bronzes. Silver was the missing piece. When he announced his retirement on August 12, 2024, it didn't feel like a tragedy. It felt like someone finally finishing a very long book.
He's mentioned that he'll be at the LA 2028 Games, but not as a competitor. He'll likely be in the commentary box or working with the media. It’s a bit weird to think about an Olympics without him. He’s been a fixture since he was a middle-schooler.
Actionable Insights for the Future
If you’re a fan or just someone following his career transition, here is what you can actually do to keep up with his new chapter:
- Watch the Documentary: "Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds" is available on Discovery+ and Olympics.com. It’s the best way to see the "real" side of his retirement decision.
- Check out the Knit Kits: If you're looking for a mental health outlet, his "Made With Love" brand actually has beginner kits. It's surprisingly good for focus.
- Follow the Business Move: Watch how he handles the transition from athlete to entrepreneur. He’s a blueprint for how modern Olympians can build a brand that lasts longer than their physical peak.
- Support the Advocacy: Keep an eye on his work with the Commonwealth Games Federation regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. He’s actively trying to change the rules of the games he used to dominate.
Tom Daley is proof that you don't have to be just one thing. You can be a father, a knitter, an activist, and a world-class athlete all at once. He didn't just dive; he showed people how to grow up in public without losing their minds. That's probably his biggest win.