We suspect British diver Tom Daley is still getting his head around the fact that he and diving partner Matty Lee took gold at the Olympics yesterday.
Daley’s been posting behind-the-scenes videos to his social media channels. Unless you follow him, you may be unaware that away from the pool, a hobby he loves is knitting and crochet.
He’s previously posted images of stuff he’s made, including clothing for husband Dustin Lance Black.
Related: The moment Tom Daley discovers he’s won Olympic gold with partner Matty Lee
How about we take this to the next level?
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Today he revealed that his latest creation was a woolen bag to protect his gold medal. On one side, he’s knitted the Union Jack, while on the other the red disc of the Japanese flag.
“If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a bit knitting obsessed. And I kept banging my medal, so what I decided to do was make a little case for my medal,” he explained on an Instagram story while holding up the case.
“Now my medal is not going to get scratched.”
Daley has his own knitting and crochet Instagram (@madewithlovebytomdaley). He raffles some of his creations for charity.
On a posting to that page, he said, “The whole thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching, so I want to say thank you to all my followers on here.”
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Daley and Lee have been praised for their stunning, focussed, medal-winning performance. Knitting may be an unorthodox tool to help athletes deal with nerves, but if it helps Daley unwind, maybe there’s something to be explored here!
In separate Daley-related news, husband Dustin Lance Black told the BBC yesterday that he had been deeply moved to see Daley shed tears on the medal podium.
“To have watched Tom dedicate his entire self to this for the eight-plus years we have been together.
“I wanted this for him so badly and I think Tom has probably cried this [holding up five fingers] many times since I have known him and last night was the most meaningful.”
After taking gold in the 10m synchronized dive, Daley will now be turning his focus to his second event: The men’s 10m platform. The preliminary round will be held on Friday, August 6 at 3pm in Tokyo, followed by the semi-final at 10am on Saturday, August 7. The final will take place later that same day.
Related: Gay dad has the best reaction to son qualifying for Tokyo Olympics
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Jack
So proud of Tom and Matty. All I wanted from these games was to see Tom win the Gold. I hope Tom’s story and the open way he lives his life and love his family, will be an example to millions of gay athletes who come after.
Bromancer7
He’s so adorable!
AxelDC
Tom is 27 going on 60.
lather
And he’s doing it brilliantly!
Well done, Tom.
Openminded
Maybe in mental maturity, but physically, he’s great.
Prowelsh56
Most excellent win. We are a couple of guys who break down cars, get greasy, drink beer out the bottle. We have no sweaters so barter?
LumpyPillows
He’s so friggin’ adorable.
Fahd
The quality of his crocheting, knitting is really impressive. May his star burn bright for years to come.
Cam
He usually shoves them in me to keep them warm.
Openminded
I love your trolling the original Cam, but I wish you would stick to postings that make us wonder if it’s the original Cam or the “Latest Greatest Cam”.
redzebra1
Get a life, Cam. Maybe make some friends too? DO you have any?
Essie
Such a cutie!! I admire people who knit and crochet because I don’t have the patience. Perhaps if Simone Biles had something like knitting to calm her nerves she would have been able to get through the team event.
Congrats to Tom and good luck in the singles dive.
JRamonMc
Congratulations to Tom and Matty. You guys deserve all the accolades. Those dives were perfection!
Joshooeerr
A brilliant performance and a graceful, dignified winner. Long may he prosper.
sjosephs
Jolly good job!
Openminded
Love the guy and admire his accomplishments. Sorry though, I have zero appreciation for knitting. It’s like home sewn clothes, they just have a unfinished look to them.
Prax07
Meh. Not a fan.
curiobi
Troll who can’t appreciate wholesome content says what now?
scotty
such cute!
MusicBoi74
The first thing I thought of was my favorite tv show, “Mama’s Family” and the crazy neighbor Iola who made gifts for everyone and everything. It’s a Medal Cozy! Iola would be proud. 🙂