Paris 2024 Olympics: GB flagbearer Tom Daley: "My biggest achievement is to dive in front of my husband and kids"

Photo taken by Alex Pantling and available on Getty Images.

Tom Daley has a strong memory of entering the Bird's Nest stadium for the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He was only fourteen years old at the time and was the youngest member of the Great Britain team. The diver was captivated by the experience of walking behind the team's flagbearer, Mark Foster, who had competed in five Olympics.

After sixteen years, Daley has made it to his fifth Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games. He has been chosen to carry the flag for his country during the Opening Ceremony along with rower Helen Glover.

"I have a vivid memory of stepping out in 2008 during the Opening Ceremony following Mark Foster, who carried the flag for us at that time. It's incredible to fast forward five Olympics later and be chosen as the flagbearer," Daley expressed. "It was a great honor and, naturally, my response was a resounding yes."

After winning an Olympic gold medal and surprising everyone by making it to his fifth Olympic Games, which is unusual in the diving community, Daley is not stressing about his performance in Paris. Instead, he is focused on enjoying the experience.

Not like Tokyo 2020, where the seats were empty, this time the stands will be full and Daley excels in that kind of environment. But for him, even just three people watching would be sufficient.

"At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there wasn't much excitement beyond the swimming pool. It was very intense and focused. But this time, many athletes are excited to fully experience the Games. As for me, I just want to go out there and perform my best," Daley shared. "My greatest accomplishment would be diving in front of my husband and our two young children."

Even though Daley didn't make it to the top three in his first Olympics in Beijing 2008, he quickly became a sensation as a teenager. He did not disappoint at the London 2012 Games, where he won a bronze medal in the individual 10m platform event.

He won a bronze medal in synchro at the Rio 2016 Olympics and had his most successful Olympics at Tokyo 2020, where he won two medals including a gold in the synchronized 10m platform event.

After achieving success with four Olympic medals and reaching the age of 27, Daley made the choice to take a break from diving. He was able to maintain this decision for two years until a spontaneous visit to a sports museum completely changed his perspective.

I was surprised by the video at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. It made me emotional when my son told me he wanted to watch me dive in the Olympics. When your children express a desire for you to do something, like getting back into the pool and training for the Olympics, you are motivated to do it.

Around this time last year, I made the choice to return. I wasn't sure if I would be able to rejoin the synchronized swimming team or if we would secure a spot in the competition. However, through dedication, consistently showing up, hard work, and perseverance, I was able to achieve my goals.

Daley's gold medal with Matty Lee at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was important because it stopped China from winning all eight gold medals in diving.

The Chinese have fallen just short of a clean sweep in all four of Daley's previous Games, but they are bringing another strong team to Paris 2024. Daley is hopeful that they can stop a complete domination, especially in the men's events.

The Chinese diving team is clearly the best in the world. People might think they will win every event, but it's the Olympics, and the Chinese divers understand that they have a lot to lose. This puts a lot of pressure and expectations on them. Other teams are ready to challenge China and are right behind them in competition.

"It can be done. It will always be challenging, but diving is a sport that can change quickly on the day of the event. In synchronized events, it's all about performing well in the finals, where competitors have to execute their best six dives in just 45 minutes. The ultimate winner will be determined on Monday."