Tom Daley, the 30-year-old Team GB diver, recently showcased his latest creation at the Paris Aquatic Center. Instead of idly waiting poolside like his fellow athletes, Daley has been diligently knitting a Paris Games themed sweater. The design features a vibrant combination of red, white, and blue, with flag trims representing both France’s tricolor ensign and Britain’s Union Jack.
The chest of the sweater proudly displays “Paris 24,” with the “A” elongated to resemble the iconic Eiffel Tower. Additionally, a “5” adorns the sleeve, symbolizing Daley’s fifth Olympic appearance. The back of the sweater spells out “Daley” in bold white letters, adding a personal touch to the garment.
Daley has been sharing his knitting journey with his followers on his craft-focused Instagram account @madewithlovebytomdaley, amassing over a million fans. Throughout his time in Paris for the Olympic Games, Daley has been captured knitting in various settings, whether watching his teammates compete or taking breaks between his own events.
In a recent interview with CNN, Daley revealed that his husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, inspired him to take up knitting. He mentioned that he turned to online tutorials to learn the craft and has been hooked ever since. This Paris Games sweater marks Daley’s second Olympic-themed creation, following a similar project he undertook during the Tokyo Games in 2020.
For Daley, knitting has become more than just a hobby; it has become a way to relax and express creativity. He shared that he draws inspiration from his surroundings, such as a bee landing on his arm, which sparked the idea for a bee-inspired jumper. However, for the 2024 Games, Daley focused on incorporating elements like Parisian symbols, flags, and colors to create a meaningful memento of the event.
Despite receiving praise for his multitasking skills, Daley has also received constructive feedback from the knitting community. Suggestions like adjusting yarn tension for better stitches have been offered on social media, showing that even Olympic champions have room to improve in their craft.
Daley’s dedication to both diving and knitting highlights his passion for creativity and personal expression. As fans continue to follow his knitting adventures, it’s clear that Daley’s talents extend beyond the diving board, making him a true inspiration to aspiring crafters and athletes alike.