British diving ace Tom Daley retires after Paris Olympics silver

New Delhi: Five-time Olympic medallist diver Tom Daley has announced his retirement after the conclusion of Paris Olympics.

The British diver said he felt it’s the opportune moment to call its quits, revealing his decision to British Vogue magazine.

Daley put an end to his decorated career with a silver medal in men’s synchronised 10m platform. The 30-year-old had won gold in the same event at Tokyo 2020.

“I have to make the decision at some point, and it feels like the right time. It’s the right time to call it a day,” Daley said.

Daley had begun his Olympic career at Beijing 2008 when he was only 14 and claimed bronze at London 2012 in the 10m platform.

He followed it up with another bronze and in the men’s synchronised 10m platform at Rio 2016 and retuned at paris for his fifth Olympics.

‘Surreal’

He said competing in front of his two children was a surreal event before which he had already decided that it was his lat appearance.

“It feels very, very surreal. I felt so incredibly nervous going into this, knowing it was my last Olympics,” he told Vogue.

“There was a lot of pressure and expectations. I was eager for it to be done. “But when I walked out, and saw my husband (Lance) and kids (Robbie and Phoenix) and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this.

“It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive.”

Daley he is at peace with himself now after ending his career and now wants to concentrate on family life.

“I want to be with my family. I’m really excited to be able to spend some time with them and just be able to feel a bit normal for a couple of days,” he said.

Daley was Britain’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of Paris Olympics, becoming the first diver to do the honours.

“It’s always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but I think it’s the right time. “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. So yeah, bucket list ticked off on every occasion.”

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 Tom Daley put an end to his decorated diving career with a silver medal in men’s synchronised 10m platform at Paris Olympics.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today