Emotional Tom Daley announces retirement from sport he ‘has loved so much’

An emotional Tom Daley admitted he was very proud of his glittering diving career – but said it was the ‘right time’ to announce his retirement.

Daley confirmed on his return to St Pancras International from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that he would be saying ‘goodbye’ to the sport he ‘has loved so much’.

The five-time Olympic medallist won a silver in the 10m Synchronised Platform alongside Noah Williams in the French capital after a two-year break from diving to complete the full set of podium places at the Games.

He thanked everyone who had supported him and said: “I’m really happy with how everything’s gone.

“It’s really hard to talk about but you know, I have to hang it up at some. I’m very proud.

“This year felt like such a bonus. I got to compete in front of my family, my kids and I got to be flag bearer. So, yeah, like bucket list ticked off on on every occasion.

“The support that I’ve had from Great Britain has been so incredible and yeah, thank you to everyone that’s just been there for me throughout the whole of this.”

Daley won a staggering 78 international medals throughout his career after first making a mark on the diving world at the age of 13.

He competed in his first Olympic Games at Beijing as a 14-year-old, finishing eighth and seventh in the 10m Synchro and 10m Platform respectively.

His first Olympic podium place came four years later in London as he won bronze in the 10m Platform – and followed that up with another third-place finish in the 10m Synchro at Rio 2016.

Very proud

However, his biggest success arrived at the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games when, alongside Matty Lee, he won gold in the 10m Synchro Platform – while he also collected another bronze in the individual event.

The silver medal, which had eluded him throughout his career, finally arrived in Paris and he said after his success alongside Noah Williams: “It’s just so special. 

“This time last year deciding to come back not knowing whether I would make the synchro team let alone qualify for the Olympics and now to be in Paris diving in front of my son who asked me to come back is so special. 

“It completes the set because I now have one of every colour.”

Now, he can look forward to spending more time with his family.

He added: “It’s always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process but I think it’s the right time.

“I want to be with my family. I’m really excited to be able to spend some time with them and just be able to feel a bit normal for a couple of days.

“I like to think they they’re very proud of me.

“I am happy but it’s just hard to talk when you loved something so much. It’s very overwhelming.

“I guess it’s the end of an era but I can look back on my 23 years and be very proud.”