Tom Daley breaks down in tears live on BBC as he confirms retirement
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Olympian Tom Daley has broken down in tears as he spoke about his retirement live on air with the BBC.
The diver, who has just won his fifth medal the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, has announced he'll step down from his sport after this year's Games.
Speaking with the BBC upon his return to the UK, Daley appeared visibly emotional and said it was "hard to talk about" his decision.
"It's always hard when you say goodbye to your sport, so... lots of things to process but I think it's the right time," he said.
"This year felt like such a bonus and I got to compete in front of my family, my kids. I got to be flag bearer," he continued, saying he ticked several things off his bucket list.
Surrounded by cheering fans, he added: "I hadn't realised I wouldn't be able to speak, it's not very like me. It's just hard to talk when you have loved something so much."
"Thank you to everyone that's just been there for me throughout the whole of this," he then said. "It's the end of an era but I can look back on my 23 years and be very proud."
This is an emotional watch!
Tom Daley spoke to the BBC moments after announcing he will retire from diving. #BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/hZfHABBpN0— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 12, 2024
Daley is married to filmmaker Dustin Lance Black. The couple have two kids, Robbie and Phoenix Rose.
During the Paris Games, the knitting-loving diver gifted sports fans another wholesome moment when his son Phoenix gatecrashed his interview with the BBC.
Commenting on his experience at these Olympics, Daley said: "That was when I was at my happiest because my family were here and they got to see that – and Phoenix is trying to kill people by throwing his juice cup."
On that occasion, the diver may have hinted at his retirement when he remained coy about whether he'd take part in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
"I don't know," he said. "Right now, I want to enjoy today and then we'll see what the future holds."
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