British diver Tom Daley knows the trials of being an Olympian better than most having made his debut as a teenager in Beijing. Daley is now balancing his sports with his daily life as a parent For him, the journey to Paris silver was the most enjoyable time of his life to date.

Daley who was awarded gold in the men’s 10 meter platform event that was synchronized at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, decided to return from retirement on the advice of his younger son Robbie.

His spouse Lance Black, a U.S. screenwriter and director as well as their two sons, were part of fans on the Aquatics Centre on Monday, cheering for Daley 30, as well as fellow teammate Noah Williams for each of their six dives.

“I’m extremely happy to be in a position to make the decision to return following two years (retirement),” a smiling Daley announced after Monday’s ceremony and kept the possibility open to another participation in the forthcoming Games within four years in the future.

“I think the most important thing was setting an example to my children that if you’ve got an idea and do your best but that doesn’t mean you’ll always succeed at exactly the things you’d like to, but it’s all about having fun and doing your best to be there, to be the best that you could become,” Daley said.

The two teams failed to match the Chinese team of Yang Hao and Lian Junjie who were 30 points clear after six rounds to win gold. However, this didn’t make the competition.

Los Angeles still possible?

“For me this season … was my most joyful experience diving all these years since diving wasn’t always my main priority. Of of course, it was crucial. However, there are few things more valuable than having kids and the ability have time together with them.” Daley said.

“So I changed my training routine to train every day, Monday to Friday. Then, I was in a position to the train from seven to 10 a.m. every morning and then enjoy the remainder of the day with my children.”

Daley’s Olympic journey began in 2008 at the Beijing Games Daley was 7th in the men’s 10 meter individual platform race.

He went on to take home a bronze medal at the same event four years later, at his home Olympics held in London after having been one of the stars at the Games. He also took home medals in thesynchronized 10 meter event at the Rio Games.

The popularity of his profile grew when he announced he was gay in the year 2013. His life and personal as well as his passion for knitting was featured in tabloids. His social media accounts gained thousands of fans.

He won victory in his participation in the Tokyo Games three years ago together with the diving teammate Matty Lee. They won the 10-meter platform event that was synchronized with a huge slam on China’s aim of winning all eight golds available.

Daley left his options open when being asked by Reuters what his plans for the future were. In the coming Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

“Oh God I’m not really sure as of yet,” he said. “I changed from being the tiniest member on team back in the year 2008 to being one of the best divers on team. I’d like to take this time to enjoy it and decide on diving’s future for me later.”

“They could be adding other activities to the Olympic Games in LA … I’m from LA right now. It could be an chance to have another at home Olympic Games,” he declared. “But in the present I’m just trying to be part of this moment and then we’ll examine the situation following this.”