Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley has embarked on an unexpected second act following his retirement from competitive diving, championing the traditionally sedate world of knitting and crochet with the same passion he once reserved for the 10-metre platform.
From Olympic Pools to Wool Pools
The 31-year-old athlete, who retired from diving last year after accumulating an impressive collection of Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth and British medals, has completely redirected his competitive energy toward yarn crafts. Daley hasn't stepped on a diving board since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured a silver medal in his final competitive appearance.
Instead of perfecting dives, Daley now dedicates at least an hour daily to knitting and has partnered with Hobbycraft to create the 'Made With Love by Tom Daley' craft kits. These beginner-friendly crochet and embroidery kits aim to introduce newcomers to the satisfaction of creating with yarn and thread.
The Daley Effect on Crafting
The champion diver first sparked national interest in knitting when he was spotted working on projects in the stands during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - the same Games where he won gold in the men's synchronised 10-metre platform event. This spontaneous moment created what's now known as the 'Daley effect,' driving increased interest in crafting across the UK.
"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," Daley admits. "The whole thing still seems slightly absurd."
Despite knitting's stereotypical association with older generations, Daley represents a new wave of craft enthusiasts. He learned his skills not from family members but from YouTube tutorials and tips from fellow crafters who noticed his work. "I was a late bloomer," he says. "I started knitting just before lockdown, so I've only been doing it for five years."
Crafting for Mental Wellbeing
For Daley, knitting and crochet serve as powerful tools for mental health maintenance. "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," he explains. The rhythmic nature of the crafts provides a meditative focus that helps quiet the mind.
Now living in Los Angeles with his Oscar-winning husband Dustin Lance Black and their two sons - Robbie, seven, and Phoenix, two - Daley finds crafting integrates perfectly into family life. He recently created matching jumpers for his sons' school photos, though he hasn't yet convinced his husband to pick up knitting needles.
Daley's passion project extends beyond personal enjoyment. He's currently hosting Channel 4's 'Game Of Wool,' a search for Britain's best knitter, and recently appeared on BBC's 'Celebrity Traitors,' where he knitted between filming sessions before being 'murdered' in episode three.
The athlete-turned-crafter has ambitious plans to introduce knitting and crochet into school curricula, believing these skills offer valuable mindfulness practice for younger generations. "It's a great tool to be able to unwind and be mindful and as a form of meditation," he emphasises.
While Daley maintains an active fitness regime including workout classes and morning hikes with his husband, his diving days are firmly behind him. "There's always that part of me that misses diving," he acknowledges, "but I feel very fortunate that I've had something to transition into afterwards."
The Made With Love by Tom Daley kits are currently available at Hobbycraft, with prices starting from £4, making the crafts accessible to beginners who want to follow in the Olympian's unexpected footsteps.
