Tom Daley, the renowned British diver, has traded his swimsuit for knitting needles as he showcases his creative side in Tokyo. Returning to the city of his Olympic gold triumph, Daley unveiled an exhibition featuring his knitting and crocheting masterpieces.
The exhibition, running until November 25, showcases a vibrant array of technicolour jumpers, dazzling day-glo sweaters, and the iconic Olympic-themed cardigan that catapulted him to viral fame during the Tokyo Games in 2021.
At 30, Daley bid farewell to diving after securing silver at the Paris Olympics. With a newfound abundance of time, he shared, “I’m now able to explore other things.” Knitting, he revealed, was his “way of escape” and a pivotal factor in his Olympic gold victory.
Daley takes visitors on a journey, recounting how and why he learned to knit, showcasing his diverse creations. The exhibition also displays his Olympic medals, offering a comprehensive glimpse into his passions.
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| The retired British Olympic diving champion, Tom Daley, stands beside a photograph capturing him knitting at a swim meet. This image, taken during an interview with AFP in Tokyo’s Shibuya district on November 8, 2024, serves as a prelude to the exhibition showcasing his handcrafted creations since embracing the hobby in 2020. AFP |
Daley’s knitting journey began in 2020 as a means to unwind and aid his body’s recovery post-training sessions. However, it quickly evolved into a full-blown obsession. Rarely seen without his needles, he even posed in knitted speedos, embodying his passion.
For Daley, knitting transcends a hobby; it’s about community, craftsmanship, and the value of slowing down. He believes it holds immense benefits for mental health, fostering a sense of calm and connection.
A Knitter’s Passion
On the exhibition’s opening day, Daley conducted a workshop, sharing his expertise with visitors. Some of his displayed creations will be auctioned, with proceeds supporting a Tokyo-based LGBTQ organization.
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| Tom Daley, the retired British Olympic diving champion, captivates the audience during a knitting workshop held in conjunction with his exhibition. The event, which took place in Tokyo’s Shibuya district on November 8, 2024, showcased his knitting journey since 2020. AFP |
Daley, relishing his retirement from diving, expressed interest in future exhibitions and shared his enthusiasm for broadcast work at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, his current home with his husband, Dustin Lance Black, and their children.
Expanding on his knitting passion, Daley aims to share this craft with as many people as possible. Reflecting on his newfound fame, he mused, “If someone had told me five years ago that I was going to be more famous for knitting than diving, I probably would have laughed.” Yet, knitting has become an integral part of his life, and he couldn’t imagine it any other way.
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