By: Olivia Luo

British diver Tom Daley, a five-time Olympic medalist, has announced his retirement from competitive diving following the 2024 Paris Games. Daley, who first qualified for the Olympics at just 14 years old in 2008 and has since become one of the most decorated athletes in his sport, shared that the time has come for him to step away from the pool.

Reflecting on his decision, Tom acknowledged that knowing this would be his final Olympics made the experience deeply emotional. Despite the pressure and expectations that accompanied his final dive, he found comfort and strength in the presence of his loved ones—his husband Lance, their children Robbie and Phoenix, and other family and friends who were there to support him. “It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive,” the 30-year-old Daley told British Vogue. “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.”

Throughout his career, Tom has also become well-known for his passion for knitting, a hobby that he famously took up during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Knitting provided him with a creative outlet and a way to manage stress during the intense competition. This hobby grew beyond just a pastime, as Tom recently launched his own line of knitting kits and has authored a book on the craft.

Now, as he transitions away from professional diving, Tom plans to focus more on his knitting endeavors, which have become an important part of his life. He views this next chapter as an opportunity to explore new avenues of creativity and fulfillment and is excited to see where his passion for knitting will take him next. Although he is retiring from the sport that made him a household name, Tom remains committed to pursuing his passions with the same dedication that defined his diving career.