Tom Daley: Pressure, the Olympics, dealing with fame, and diving
The Team GB diver, Tom Daley, is heading to his fourth Olympic Games with new diving partner Matty Lee.
Diving
Tom Daley is ready to perform at his fourth Olympic Games of his diving career.
He took Olympic bronze medals at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 – the obvious aim is to finally capture a gold medal at the Olympics in Japan.
“I hope I win it,” Tom said to the Olympic Channel Podcast.
“But, for me, I just [want] to get to that start line in one piece and then we'll see what happens from there.”
Daley will line up in the 10m synchro with new diving partner Matty Lee and also the individual 10m platform event.
Here are the five top things to know about Tom Daley after his appearance on the Olympic Channel Podcast.
Tom Daley: The pandemic, the Olympics, and why experience matters
The pandemic has greatly affected all athletes and Tokyo 2020 will be a lot different to the previous editions of the Olympic Games.
“This is definitely going to be the most different Olympic Games out of my the three that I've done previously.”
Daley is 27 and has gone from ‘boy wonder’ at Beijing 2008 to one of the veteran members of Team GB heading into Tokyo 2020.
“In 2008, I was the youngest on the team. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I was just all about the experience and soaking it up.
“London 2012 [and] competing in front of a home crowd – [there was] the pressure that came with that and then [Rio 2016], I felt like I was at my best point in my diving career [but] with so much pressure."
Daley brought an Olympic bronze medal home in the 10m synchro home in 2016 with Daniel Goodfellow.
The pressure for Daley to perform still exists but he finds it easier the older and more experienced he’s become.
“As a parent, a husband and being able to have that perspective, I'm just excited!”
Tom Daley: Pressure and focusing on what matters
The various lockdowns around the world were an opportunity for self-reflection.
It’s meant a more relaxed preparation in some ways for Tom.
“I think something that the pandemic has taught so many people [is that] things can change and your plans can go out the window and [so] never, ever take anything for granted.
“I think that in itself has just allowed people to relax a little bit into an Olympic Games because you actually realise what actually matters most.
“At the end of the day, this is a sports competition. We're not saving anyone's lives.”
Tom Daley: Significant wins in Tokyo with new diving partner Matty Lee
Tom has teamed up with Matty Lee in the 10m synchro event and things have been going well in 2021.
“The team headed out to Tokyo for the World Cup and it was a bit of a test event for the Olympics…
“Tom and I managed to do well. We won the prelim and we also won the final. So we got the World Cup gold medal.
“And then straight from there, we headed to Budapest for the European Championships, and we managed to come away with a gold medal, a new personal best performance and a British record. So, it's been pretty good so far!”
Tom Daley: Dealing with fame
Tom Daley is an icon in Britain and was stopped several times by passers-by near the aquatics centre in London during the interview.
His patience was noticeable and genuine.
“I just always put myself back into my shoes as if I was young.
“If I can pass on any advice to anyone that comes up and asks how to become an Olympian or what they can do with their diving.
I want to be able to help because I think that's something that's really important.”
Tom Daley reviews Simone Biles’ dive
Four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles has shown that she’s in excellent form ahead of Tokyo 2020 by making history to become the only person to win seven U.S. national all-around titles.
In 2019, Biles posted a video showcasing her potential Olympic diving talent.
Daley was impressed
“She'd be a really good diver because she can already do somersaults.
“You never know, in [Paris 2024], she might be diving.”
Daley’s diving partner Matty agreed.
“It’s pretty impressive! Usually people are scared of [the height], even though gymnastics is all flips and twists.
“She probably would probably be a great diver. She should give it a shot!”
Matty Lee on winning gold with Tom Daley
The goal for Tom Daley and Matty Lee is to win Olympic gold.
“Obviously, [that’s] everyone's dream outcome…
Even though we got a [personal best score] in Europeans, we still had room for improvement. And that's great. You always want to be striving for more.”