Olympics 2024: Tom Daley reflects on his journey after taking diving silver

Starting as the most junior member of Team GB at the 2008 Olympics and eventually becoming the oldest individual to ever win a medal in his category.

Starting as a young teenager in Beijing and eventually competing in Paris, this athlete found motivation in his children, who watched him from the sidelines.

The Chinese competitors outperformed the defending champions in the 10m synchro platform event at Tokyo 2020. Despite not being able to retain their title, Tom Daley and his partner were content with winning the silver medal.

This athlete who has competed in the Olympics five times has now earned five medals, one of each color.

However, leading up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the young athlete expressed his happiness at being acknowledged in Starbucks and getting a complimentary chocolate Frappuccino.

During our initial meeting, he expressed, "It feels strange to know that others admire and acknowledge you for your work."

It was definitely something he needed to adjust to as a prominent figure in diving across the globe, not just in British sports.

Now, 16 years later, we were chatting - along with diving companion Noah Williams - at the Team Great Britain house in Paris, wearing silver medals we had just won and looking back on the experience.

Daley explained to Sky News that going from not fully understanding the magnitude of the Olympics in 2008 to participating in and earning medals from the event was a significant journey for him.

"However, this time it feels somewhat unique. My viewpoint on what the Olympics signifies for me has shifted."

At this moment, my family holds the highest priority in my life, and it was truly special to be able to compete in front of them and for them.

Explore further: Team Great Britain claims their initial two gold medals at the Paris Olympics. The second day of the Paris 2024 event highlights the resilience needed to overcome mental health obstacles.

For a better video experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.

When your child requests something from you, you should fulfill their request.

Phoenix, who is three years old, was having a celebration in Paris with Dustin Lance Black, Daley's husband. Their other son, Robbie, who is five years old, was really excited to see his dad in person at an Olympics.

That's the reason why, following a two-year hiatus, Daley subjected his body and mind to another challenging Olympic journey.

"When my child requests something, I have no choice but to comply or face chaos," Daley explained. "I realized that I actually missed diving, despite initially stating that I was finished after Tokyo."

I always sensed that there was something that I was constantly holding onto.

"And as an athlete, it can be challenging to admit when you've reached your natural limit."

"Robbie's comment about wanting to see a dive at the Olympics was just the push I needed to get started on it."

"And, I wasn't sure if I would be able to rejoin the synchronized swimming team. There was uncertainty about whether we would qualify for the Olympics."

"Once we got into the swing of things, we discovered that we were actually doing quite well. We have managed to secure a medal in every competition we have participated in this year, which has made us quite pleased."

'The Olympics in Tokyo had a unique atmosphere'

And thrilled to have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics in front of an audience once more, following Daley's triumph in the pandemic Games where he secured a gold medal in a vacant arena.

"I feel like it's somewhat unbelievable to be competing in my fifth Olympic Games and to have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience again, especially after the unique experience in Tokyo," Daley expressed. "So being able to compete one more time and win a silver medal with Noah was incredibly meaningful. I'm definitely feeling great about it."

I've shed a lot of tears today.

Williams also found it to be an emotional experience.

During this peak moment in his career, the 24-year-old athlete reflected on the passing of his coach, Dave Jenkins, who tragically passed away before the Olympics in Tokyo where he narrowly missed winning a medal.

Williams informed Sky News that he had shed an excessive amount of tears that day due to the overwhelming emotions he was experiencing.

I never expected it, but receiving messages from his wife and then his family members too, filled me with pride and joy. I feel like I have finally made him proud.

When I was young, there were many occasions when I felt like giving up.

If it weren't for Mr Jenkins' support, Williams wouldn't have made it to Paris at all.

"I felt like giving up numerous times when I was younger, but he never gave up on me and helped me transform from a confident 15-year-old to an Olympian in Tokyo," Williams remembered.

"He made a huge impact on my professional growth and personal life. He was the most kind-hearted individual I've ever met. I think about him every single day."

Wearing the medal proudly on his chest, Williams declared, "This is all for Dave, without a doubt."