When Tom Daley stepped onto the platform at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he wasn’t just chasing another medal — he was closing a chapter that began when he was a teenage prodigy. By the time he retired a few weeks later, he had amassed five Olympic medals, made his peace with body dysmorphia, and started a family with his husband, Dustin Lance Black. This article traces the arc of that journey, from his early dive into competition to his candid conversations about mental health and fatherhood.

Full Name: Thomas Robert Daley ·
Born: 21 May 1994 ·
Olympic Medals: 5 (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) ·
Children: 2 sons (via surrogate) ·
Spouse: Dustin Lance Black (m. 2017) ·
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth not publicly verified; estimates range widely
  • Specific details of his therapy regimen for BDD remain private
  • Future career plans beyond knitting business are unspecified
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Focus on knitting business and media appearances
  • Continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ and mental health causes
  • Potential documentary or memoir projects

Seven quick facts that define Tom Daley’s public profile:

Label Value
Full Name Thomas Robert Daley
Born 21 May 1994 (Plymouth, England)
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Olympic Medals 5 (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze)
Spouse Dustin Lance Black (m. 2017)
Children 2 sons (born 2018, 2023)
Net Worth (est.) £3–5 million

What is Tom Daley’s diagnosis?

In a 2022 interview with Radio Times (UK entertainment magazine), Daley revealed that he had been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). He described the period around the 2012 London Olympics as “a dark time” and admitted that he had experienced bulimia. “I had no clear understanding of what I was doing,” he said, explaining that he cut food out of his diet and then binged, leading to the eating disorder. Daley also noted that men are rarely encouraged to talk about such struggles, and he credited his husband, Dustin Lance Black, with being a “tremendous support” through his recovery. He has undergone therapy to manage the condition.

Why this matters

Daley’s openness about BDD and bulimia breaks a long silence around male body image issues in elite sport. For young athletes — especially in the LGBTQ+ community — his disclosure provides a rare, relatable example of recovery and support.

The implication: Daley’s diagnosis isn’t a footnote — it’s a central thread that runs through his entire career, from the pressure of his teenage stardom to his eventual decision to step away.

How many children does Tom Daley have?

Tom Daley and his husband Dustin Lance Black have two children, both born via surrogate. Their first son, Robert Ray Black-Daley, was born in 2018. Their second son, Phoenix Rose Black-Daley, arrived in 2023. The couple has spoken openly about choosing surrogacy over adoption and about the challenges and joys of parenting. A planned BBC documentary exploring their surrogacy journey was reportedly scrapped under mysterious circumstances, according to PinkNews (LGBTQ+ news outlet).

The trade-off: Daley and Black have balanced the demands of a high-profile career and a growing family in the public eye, but they have also kept many details of their surrogacy and parenting journey private — a decision that respects their children’s boundaries while inviting curiosity.

Who is Tom Daley’s new partner?

Tom Daley’s partner — and now husband — is Dustin Lance Black, an Oscar-winning screenwriter and director. Black won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the 2008 film Milk. The couple began dating in 2013, became engaged in 2015, and married in 2017 at Bovey Castle in Devon. Their relationship was widely covered in the media, partly because of the 20-year age gap (Daley was born in 1994, Black in 1974). Both have spoken positively about the age difference, noting that shared values and mutual respect outweigh the numbers. Black has been a consistent presence at Daley’s competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The pattern: Daley’s relationship with Black has been a stabilising force in his life, providing emotional support during his struggles with body image and a foundation for building a family.

What is the age gap between Tom Daley and his husband?

Tom Daley was born on 21 May 1994. Dustin Lance Black was born on 10 June 1974. That makes the age gap exactly 20 years. In interviews, both have addressed the curiosity surrounding the difference. Black told The Guardian (British newspaper) that while the age gap initially made people ask questions, their relationship “feels completely natural.” Daley has echoed that sentiment, saying that Black’s maturity and life experience complement his own energy and drive. The couple has not let public scrutiny affect their bond, and they continue to appear together at red-carpet events and family outings.

The catch: A 20-year gap often raises eyebrows, but Daley and Black have turned it into a narrative of mutual growth rather than a point of tension.

How many Olympic medals has Tom Daley won?

Tom Daley has won five Olympic medals over four Games, a first for any British diver. His tally includes one gold (Tokyo 2020, synchronized 10m platform with Jack Laugher), one silver (Paris 2024, synchronized 10m platform), and three bronze medals (London 2012 in 10m platform, Rio 2016 in 10m platform, and Tokyo 2020 in 10m platform). He announced his retirement shortly after the Paris Games, telling ESPN (sports broadcaster) that it was “the right time” to step away from the sport. His retirement closes a career that began at age 14 when he competed in his first Olympics in Beijing.

  • London 2012: Bronze in 10m platform (Olympics.com (official Olympic body))
  • Rio 2016: Bronze in 10m platform (Olympics.com (official Olympic body))
  • Tokyo 2020 (2021): Gold (sync 10m) + Bronze (10m platform) (ESPN (sports broadcaster))
  • Paris 2024: Silver (sync 10m platform) (ESPN (sports broadcaster))

The implication: Daley’s five medals are not just a personal achievement; they represent a new benchmark for British diving and a legacy of consistency across four Olympic cycles.

Timeline: Key Milestones in Tom Daley’s Life

  • 21 May 1994: Born in Plymouth, England.
  • 2004: Won British junior national platform title at age 10.
  • 2008: First Olympic appearance (Beijing), finished 7th in 10m platform.
  • 2009: Won gold in 10m platform at World Aquatics Championships (Olympics.com (official Olympic body)).
  • 2012: Won bronze in 10m platform at London Olympics (Olympics.com (official Olympic body)).
  • 2013: Publicly came out as gay.
  • 2015: Engaged to Dustin Lance Black.
  • 2016: Won bronze in 10m platform at Rio Olympics (Olympics.com (official Olympic body)).
  • 2017: Married Dustin Lance Black (BBC News (UK broadcaster)).
  • 2018: First son, Robert Ray Black-Daley, born via surrogate.
  • 2020 (held 2021): Won gold in synchronized 10m platform (Tokyo Olympics) (ESPN (sports broadcaster)).
  • 2022: Revealed body dysmorphic disorder diagnosis (Radio Times (entertainment news)).
  • 2023: Second son, Phoenix Rose Black-Daley, born via surrogate.
  • 2024: Won silver in synchronized 10m platform (Paris Olympics); announced retirement (ESPN (sports broadcaster)).
The upshot

Daley’s timeline reveals a career built in waves — each Olympic cycle brought a new peak, a new personal challenge, and ultimately a new chapter. His retirement marks the end of an era for British diving, but his advocacy work is just beginning.

Confirmed Facts and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Tom Daley has body dysmorphic disorder (confirmed in multiple interviews) (Radio Times (entertainment news))
  • He married Dustin Lance Black in 2017 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
  • He has two sons via surrogate (PinkNews (LGBTQ+ media))
  • He won five Olympic medals between 2012 and 2024 (ESPN (sports broadcaster))
  • He retired from diving after the 2024 Paris Olympics (ESPN (sports broadcaster))

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth is not publicly verified; estimates vary.
  • Specific details of his therapy regimen for BDD are private.
  • Future career plans (other than knitting business) are unspecified.

Quotes from the Daley-Black Family

“It was a dark time. I had no clear understanding of what I was doing. I cut food out, then I’d binge, and then I’d make myself sick. I didn’t realise there was something wrong with me.”

— Tom Daley, speaking about his body dysmorphia and bulimia, Radio Times (entertainment magazine)

“Tom has been so brave to share his story. I’m incredibly proud of him. The most important thing is that he’s getting the help he needs and that we’re there for each other.”

— Dustin Lance Black, in an interview with The Guardian (British newspaper)

“It felt like the right time. I’ve achieved everything I ever dreamed of in diving, and now I want to focus on my family and my other passions.”

— Tom Daley, announcing his retirement after Paris 2024, ESPN (sports broadcaster)

“Men are not encouraged to talk about eating disorders or feelings. That needs to change. I hope by speaking out, I can help someone else.”

— Tom Daley, Radio Times (entertainment magazine)

What’s Next for Tom Daley?

Daley’s retirement closes a remarkable chapter in British sport, but it opens up new possibilities. His knitting business — which gained attention during the Tokyo Olympics when he was seen knitting a sweater for his son — has flourished, and he has hinted at more media projects. The most significant consequence of his retirement is the time it frees for his family. For a man who spent two decades chasing Olympic glory, the next step is quiet: raising his two young sons with Black, continuing his mental health advocacy, and knitting — at his own pace.

Additional sources

standard.co.uk, people.com, facebook.com, thepinknews.com, rts.org.uk, en.wikipedia.org, reddit.com, lgbtqnation.com

His openness about mental health, particularly Tom Daleys body dysmorphia journey Tom Daley’s body dysmorphia journey, has inspired many young athletes to speak out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is body dysmorphic disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance that are often unnoticeable to others. Daley has spoken openly about his diagnosis and treatment.

How did Tom Daley come out as gay?

Daley came out publicly in a YouTube video in December 2013, saying he was “happier than ever” and in a relationship with a man. He later confirmed his relationship with Dustin Lance Black.

What is Tom Daley’s net worth?

Exact figures aren’t public, but estimates from various sources place his net worth between £3 million and £5 million, earned through diving prize money, endorsements, and his knitting business.

Why does Tom Daley knit?

Daley took up knitting as a way to relax and cope with the pressures of elite sport. He has launched his own knitting brand, “Made With Love by Tom Daley,” with patterns and kits available online.

What are Tom Daley’s most notable diving achievements?

His five Olympic medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) are the most by any British diver. He also won the 2009 World Championship in the 10m platform and numerous European and Commonwealth titles.

Is Tom Daley still diving?

No. He announced his retirement from competitive diving in August 2024 after the Paris Olympics.

How did Tom Daley meet Dustin Lance Black?

They met at a dinner party in Los Angeles in 2013. Black later said he didn’t recognise Daley at first, but they connected over shared interests and quickly began a relationship.

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