British diving great Tom Daley announces his retirement after Paris success
Updated . First published at
Sixteen years after making his Olympic debut, Great Britain's Tom Daley has announced his retirement from diving.
The 30-year-old will end his career as Britain's most decorated diver with five Olympic medals to his name.
Daley competed at five Olympics, making his debut at the age of 14 in Beijing.
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He won gold and bronze in Tokyo and bronze at both London and Rio.
Despite speculation of retirement after Tokyo, Daley returned in Paris alongside Noah Williams in the 10m synchronised event, where he won silver and completed his medal set.
"I'm really happy with how everything's gone," an emotional Daley told the BBC.
Silver Medalists Thomas Daley and Noah Williams of Team Great Britain pose with the national flag of Team Great Britain following the Diving medal ceremony. Getty
"It's always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but I think it's the right time.
"This year felt like such a bonus and I got to compete in front of my family, my kids. I got to be flagbearer. So yeah, bucket list ticked off on every occasion.
Daley captured the hearts of fans in Tokyo as he was spotted knitting an Olympic-inspired cardigan while watching his teammates compete.
Tom Daley has been spotted knitting several times as he watches the Women's Synchronised 3m Springboard Final at the Aquatics Centre. Mike Egerton/PA Images/Getty Images
Daley now wants to spend more time with his family.
"It feels very, very surreal. I felt so incredibly nervous going into this, knowing it was my last Olympics," he said.
"There was a lot of pressure and expectations. I was eager for it to be done. But when I walked out and saw my husband (Lance) and kids (Robbie and Phoenix) and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this.
"It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive.
"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."
