Few athletes have grown up quite so publicly as Tom Daley. The British diver who first stole hearts at 14 years old during the Beijing 2008 Olympics is now 31 years old (born May 21, 1994), happily married, father of two, and officially retired after winning silver at Paris 2024. With a career that spans five Olympic Games, one gold, one silver, three bronzes, and a knitting needle that became almost as famous as his dives, here’s the complete updated story of Tom Daley’s life, love, money, and what comes next.
Early Years: From Plymouth Pool to Olympic Prodigy
Tom Daley was born and raised in Plymouth, England. He first tried diving at age 7 and was competing nationally by age 9. Standing just 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) and weighing around 74 kg (163 lbs) in his prime, his compact, powerful build became perfect for the 10-metre platform.
Tragedy struck in 2011 when his beloved father Robert died of a brain tumour when Tom was only 17. Instead of breaking him, the loss forged an unbreakable mental strength. “Everything I do now is for Dad,” he still says in interviews more than a decade later.
Olympic Journey & Retirement at Age 30
Tom became Great Britain’s youngest ever male Olympian in Beijing 2008 at age 14. He collected his first medal (bronze) in London 2012 at age 18, finally claimed the elusive gold in the synchronised 10m with Matty Lee in Tokyo 2020 at age 27, and bowed out with silver alongside Noah Williams in Paris 2024 at age 30.
On 12 August 2024 he announced his retirement, making him Britain’s most decorated diver ever with five Olympic medals. He immediately stepped into a pundit role for Eurosport and is now a regular face on British television.
Personal Life: Married, Husband & Kids
Tom came out in a heartfelt YouTube video in December 2013 when he was 19. He revealed he was dating American screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (19 years his senior and the Oscar winner for Milk). The couple married on 6 May 2017 at Bovey Castle in Devon.
They have two sons via surrogacy: Robbie (born June 2018) and Phoenix (born March 2023). The family now splits time between London and Los Angeles.
“The age gap never felt weird,” Tom told Vogue in 2025. “Lance is the calm to my chaos, and I’m the energy he needs.”
Tom Daley Net Worth & Salary in 2025
Unlike many Olympic nations, Team GB athletes receive no salary and no cash bonuses for medals. Tom’s estimated net worth of $5 million comes from sponsorships (Adidas, British Gas, Malibu), his YouTube channel (1.2 million subscribers), TV presenting, books, and now his hugely popular knitting brand Made With Love by Tom Daley.
In 2025 he launched a swimwear collaboration with Malibu rum and hosts the Channel 4 series Game of Wool. These ventures easily push his annual earnings well into six figures.
Quick Facts Table
| Biography Detail | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Robert Daley | |
| Age (2025) | 31 years old | |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1994 | |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) | |
| Nationality | British | |
| Husband | Dustin Lance Black (married 2017) | |
| Children | Robbie (2018) & Phoenix (2023) | |
| Olympic Medals | 5 (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) | |
| Retirement | August 2024 (age 30) | |
| Net Worth 2025 | Approx. $5 million | |
| Main Income Now | TV, sponsorships, knitting brand | |
| @tomdaley (9M+ followers) | ||
| X (Twitter) | @TomDaley1994 |
The Knitting Phenomenon Nobody Saw Coming
During the pandemic, Tom taught himself to knit and crochet. His poolside cardigans and Olympic medal pouches went viral. What started as a mental-health coping mechanism is now a full lifestyle brand, a Channel 4 TV show, and even an exhibition in Tokyo. “Knitting saved me when diving felt too much,” he says.
What’s Next for Tom Daley?
At 31, Tom is studying pattern-cutting and sewing in Los Angeles, planning his own knitwear label, and enjoying mornings without 5 a.m. training. He’s ruled out a comeback for LA 2028 but will almost certainly be on our screens as a commentator.
From a nervous 14-year-old in Beijing to a confident husband, father, and multi-hyphenate creative, Tom Daley’s story proves that life after the diving board can be just as colourful as the medals that came before it.
Further reading: Tom Daley on Wikipedia • Instagram @tomdaley • Made With Love knitting kits
