Tom Daley may have first captivated the world as the teenage diving prodigy who could seemingly defy gravity, but these days, he’s more likely to be making waves with yarn than a swan dive. The British Olympian, who rocketed to fame at just 14, is closing one chapter and casting on another, this time as a designer, entrepreneur, and cultural tastemaker.
From Pool to Platform
Daley’s rise began with a splash, literally. At the 2008 Olympics, the then-14-year-old high diver soared from the board with precision, grace, and the poise of an athlete far beyond his years. “Looking back, it’s surreal,” Daley said during an interview with Flaunt, reflecting on the whirlwind of media attention that consumed his teenage life.
But beyond the gold medals and international acclaim, there was a quieter, more personal journey unfolding. “Knowing I was gay and navigating that during the height of my visibility was intense,” he shares. “I felt like I had to constantly prove myself to compensate for a part of me I was scared to show.”
Owning His Story
Daley didn’t just come out, he took the narrative into his own hands, bypassing the tabloid route for a heartfelt YouTube video in 2013. It was a choice rooted in authenticity. “I wanted to be in control of my story,” he says. “No spin, no clickbait, just me, saying what I needed to say.”
The move was bold at a time when public coming outs were often handled through glossy exclusives. But for Daley, honesty trumped spectacle. “I wasn’t trying to make a splash with it,” he says with a smile. “I just didn’t want to hide anymore.”
Life After the Podium
After years of winning medals and hearts, Daley stepped away from competitive diving in 2024. But retirement, for him, doesn’t mean retreat. Instead, it’s meant a pivot, from triple flips to triple purl stitches.
His post-sport passion project, Made With Love, is a full-blown knitting and fashion brand with a devout following. The brand’s offerings, from luxe yarn kits to streetwear-style knit hoodies, are now available at major retailers like Michaels and JOANN Fabrics. The idea was born during quiet downtime, but quickly spiraled into obsession. “I taught myself from YouTube,” Daley says. “Then suddenly, I was sketching designs and staying up past midnight with a knitting needle in hand.”
That obsession now fuels his next big project: The Game of Wool, a reality competition show à la The Great British Bake Off, but for stitchers. It’s a cozy competition Daley will host—and knitters everywhere are already unraveling with anticipation.
Documenting the Journey
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Daley chapter without reflection. His upcoming documentary, Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds, promises a raw, intimate look back at his life, both in and out of the pool. “There’s footage I didn’t even know existed,” he says, referencing videos shot by his late father, who was a constant presence during his early diving years. “Rewatching that has been emotional.”
The film captures both the triumph and trauma of being thrust into the spotlight so young, and shows how Daley has transformed adversity into artistry.
Daley in Full Bloom
Currently gracing the digital cover of FLAUNT Magazine’s “Fleeting Twilight” issue, Daley is seen modeling standout looks from Ben Sherman’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The editorial mirrors his evolution, from decorated diver to fashion-forward force.
Though he’s swapped Speedos for stitching needles, one thing remains the same: Daley is diving headfirst into whatever comes next—on his own terms.
