Tom Daley, the Olympic legend who landed more than just medals, has made his latest splash not in the pool but on social media with the launch of his new Adidas swimwear collection. Known for his grace both on the platform and off, Daley has taken his creativity to a fresh frontier.
A five-time Olympic medalist, celebrated diver and LGBTQ advocate Tom Daley, who came out to the public in 2013 and married filmmaker Dustin Lance Black in 2017, introduced the swimwear line to the world on Tuesday, July 15. He shared a series of striking photos on Instagram, radiating confidence and flair. One snapshot portrayed him climbing from the water in retro style trunks. In another, he appeared mid-dive, each image a testament to the collection’s daring energy.
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Adidas captioned the post with enthusiasm, writing: “Serving dives and swimwear! Introducing the new adidas x @tomdaley swim collection.” The straightforward message quickly resonated online, earning cheers from fans and high praise.
The trunks, styled in a throwback cut and priced at thirty pounds in the UK, are currently available in two bold colorways. They have already garnered glowing customer feedback. One reviewer awarded them five stars, noting “Nice material nice fit nice design.” They added “I like the idea these were by a guest designer and who better to design trunks than Tom.”
Social media reactions came pouring in. One enthusiastic response read “OBSESSEDDDDD,” while another complimented the fit and feel: “Always cut your new collab is great.”
Daley’s partnership with Adidas is as much a personal victory as it is a stylish offering. Beyond the perfectly tailored trunks, his collaboration represents positive forward momentum in queer representation within sports and fashion. For the former champion diver, who once felt compelled to live under the shadows of his identity, this collection marks a milestone.
Just last month Tom Daley gave a powerful testimony about the struggles many LGBTQ athletes face behind closed doors. In June he revealed that “closeted” queer sports stars often reach out to him, seeking guidance on coming out. Many are trapped in silence or uncertainty, unsure of how to reconcile their identities with the expectations of their professions.
Daley also spoke openly about the eating disorder he battled in his late teens. At that time, as he was beginning to accept who he was, he was influenced by managers who warned him to present a more “straight” image for fear of losing endorsements. He recounted the shame he felt after being told to avoid public displays with his now-husband Dustin.
In his documentary Tom Daley: 1.6 seconds, he shared behind-the-scenes moments that shocked even his loyal fans. He said he organized a party and invited Dustin. The feedback from his management left him frozen with anxiety. They warned that being seen alongside a known LGBT rights activist could damage his appeal, particularly in countries where anti-gay sentiment remains high. Their stark messaging included threats of losing sponsorships and global audiences.
That kind of pressure and fear shaped Daley’s journey for years. But now, in a striking twist of fate, he stands at a place of pride and visibility. Whether he is leaping from a platform or stepping confidently into front row for fashion, Tom Daley now makes choices on his own terms.
The Adidas swimwear line stands out not only for its design but also for its message. Each stitch and seam celebrates Daley’s authenticity. The bold splash of color and retro cut stands as a visual representation of pride rooted in personal triumph. For many LGBTQ athletes still finding their way, it serves as a beacon of what is possible when authenticity wins the day.
Despite not yet being available in the United States, fans have made clear their excitement. Many are requesting that Adidas expand its distribution so that everyone can wear a piece of Daley’s story. His influence spans beyond athletic achievements or wedding day, reaching into everyday life where form meets function and statement meets style.
At a moment when queer representation in athletic apparel is still rare, Daley’s collaboration feels revolutionary. He has used every platform available – podcasts, Olympic podiums, television interviews and now fashion – to tell one clear story: queer athletes have a place in every area of life. They belong on center stage and they deserve to be seen.
Adidas’ bold approach to working with Daley may serve as inspiration for other brands. If more athletes with powerful stories partnered with major labels, the landscape of sport and style could become richer, more diverse and more reflective of reality. Daley’s swim collection may be just the start.
For now, his message to the world is simple. Live out loud. Embrace your truth. And, yes, make a splash while you’re at it. If these trunks are any indication, summer just got a lot more colorful.
