For years, Olympic diver Tom Daley has been one of Britain’s most beloved athletes — an Olympic gold medalist, a public advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport, and, more recently, a designer, father, and philanthropist. But what makes Daley such a fascinating figure is not only what he’s achieved on the diving board, but how he has opened up his life beyond it.

From Athlete to Icon

Daley’s journey began in Plymouth, where his talent propelled him into the spotlight as a teenager. By the time he was 14, he was Britain’s youngest competitor at the Beijing Olympics. But it was his resilience across four Olympic Games that cemented his legacy, culminating in a gold medal at Tokyo 2020 in men’s synchronized diving.

Yet Daley has transcended sport. His decision to come out in 2013, at a time when openly gay male athletes were still rare, positioned him as a role model well beyond athletics. Today, he is as known for his openness and advocacy as for his medals.

Day-to-Day Life: Knitting, Parenting, and Balance

Away from the pool, Daley has cultivated an unexpected passion: knitting and crochet. What started as a personal hobby became a viral sensation during the Tokyo Olympics, when fans spotted him knitting between events. It soon evolved into Made With Love, his own knitwear brand that emphasizes sustainability and mindfulness.

As a father to two young sons with his husband, Academy Award–winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, Daley often shares glimpses into parenthood. These candid snapshots — from school runs to family holidays — reveal a softer side of sporting life: the balance between discipline and domesticity, ambition and intimacy.

Style and Philanthropy

Daley has also emerged as a style figure, appearing in fashion spreads and collaborating with brands that reflect his playful, accessible aesthetic. He’s equally active in philanthropy, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and inclusivity in sport.

Earlier this year, he launched the Tom Daley Foundation, aimed at creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in sport and beyond. For Daley, visibility is not enough — impact must follow.

Why Tom Daley Matters

Tom Daley embodies the essence of Street & Row’s Lifestyle & Behind the Scenes lens:

• Personal style that fuses athleticism with authenticity.
• Philanthropy that transforms visibility into change.
• Human-interest appeal that makes audiences feel connected to his journey.

He shows that masculinity today can mean vulnerability, creativity, and family devotion — not just physical strength. In short, Daley is more than a champion athlete; he’s a cultural ambassador redefining what modern celebrity looks like.