Olympic diving champion Tom Daley is embarking on a remarkable new venture, aiming to get the nation knitting and crocheting with the launch of his own craft range. The gold medallist, who retired from professional diving last year, has partnered with Hobbycraft to create beginner-friendly kits designed to inspire a new generation of crafters.
From Olympic Pools to Crafting Tools
The 31-year-old athlete, whose diving career earned him an impressive collection of Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth, and British medals, hasn't set foot on a diving board since winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Instead, he's channelling his energy into 'Made With Love by Tom Daley' kits, with prices starting from just £4.
Daley's transition from elite sport to crafting icon still feels surprising even to him. "When I was diving, if anybody had said I'd probably be more known for knitting than diving at this point, I'd say it was kind of crazy," he confessed. "The whole thing still seems slightly absurd."
The Mental Health Benefits of Crafting
Daley discovered knitting just before lockdown, learning through YouTube tutorials and tips from fellow crafters. What began as a way to fill time during the postponed Olympics quickly became a passion with significant mental health benefits.
"I got into knitting and crochet mainly because it was a great way for my mental health to be in the moment, be present and be mindful," Daley explained. "I've always wanted to try and make it accessible to as many people as possible, so they're able to slow down and sit and do something slowly with their hands."
The athlete, who now lives in Los Angeles with his Oscar-winning husband Dustin Lance Black and their two sons, dedicates at least an hour daily to knitting. He even knitted matching jumpers for his sons' recent school photo.
Challenging Crafting Stereotypes
Despite knitting's traditional image as an older person's hobby, Daley is determined to attract younger enthusiasts. "I want to try and reach a younger audience, so I'm trying to make things with more fun colours, and create patterns that are slightly different," he said.
His efforts appear to be working, with the 'Daley effect' already evident after he was spotted knitting in the stands at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won gold in the men's synchronised 10-metre platform event. This viral moment sparked increased interest in crafting nationwide.
Daley's crafting passion has expanded beyond his kits to include hosting Channel 4's new show 'Game Of Wool', which searches for Britain's best knitter. He also recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Traitors, where he was 'murdered' in episode three by traitors Jonathan Ross, Cat Burns, and Alan Carr.
Looking to the future, Daley envisions knitting and crochet being taught in schools as tools for mindfulness and meditation. "It's a great tool to be able to unwind and be mindful," he noted. "And I think people are wanting to be able to do things and make things by hand a lot more, because it's good for the environment, and it's very rewarding."
The Made With Love by Tom Daley kits are available now at Hobbycraft, offering beginners everything they need to start their crafting journey under the guidance of Britain's most unexpected crafting ambassador.
