UK

Tom Daley’s husband and children among spectators cheering for diver’s silver

Daley and Noah Williams came second behind China in the men’s synchronised 10m dive at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

Daley’s family celebrated him winning silver in Paris
Daley’s family celebrated him winning silver in Paris (Mike Egerton/PA)

Tom Daley’s husband and two young children were among spectators cheering for the diving star and his teammate Noah Williams as the pair won silver medals at the Paris Olympics.

Daley and Williams came second behind China in the men’s synchronised 10m dive on Monday but were all smiles after the event – with Williams pecking his teammate on the cheek as the pair held up their silver gongs.

Ahead of the games, Daley’s husband, American screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, shared on Instagram that their eldest son Robbie told his parents over a year ago that he wished he could watch his “papa” dive in the Olympics in person.

Dustin Lance Black pumped his fist as he watched his husband compete
Dustin Lance Black pumped his fist as he watched his husband compete (Mike Egerton/PA)

The two young boys could be seen in the crowd at the Aquatics Centre on Monday, with Mr Black pumping his fist and cheering after one of Daley and Williams’ dives.

The diving star’s mother, Debbie Daley, was also cheering her son on from the stands.

Other spectators could be seen waving union flags and sporting “Team Daley” t-shirts as they watched the event.

Speaking to the BBC after competing, Daley said: “This time last year deciding to come back, not knowing whether I would make the synchro team let alone qualify for a spot for the Olympics, and now to be here in Paris diving in front of my son, who’s just right there, who actually asked me to come back, is just so special.”

He added: “My husband has been there for me for this whole year and he has really taken the reins with the kids when I’ve had to travel and stuff and it’s just so special that we get to enjoy this moment together.”

Williams grew emotional and asked Daley to speak for him when he was asked about what the silver medal means to him after his coach died following the Tokyo games.

Daley told the broadcaster: “I’ve never seen Noah cry in my whole life, and I know how much this has meant to him and to (his former coach) Dave.

“Dave has been such a key part in Noah’s diving success and career and it’s very sad that he’s not here to be able to see this, but I know both Dave and my dad would be very proud to see us going in and doing a really, really solid performance there for a silver medal.”

Daley’s father died in May 2011 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour five years earlier.

Last week, Mr Black posted on Instagram: “It’s been a little over 16 months since our eldest son, Robbie, shared with Tom that he wished he could watch his Papa dive in the Olympics in person.

“Yesterday Tom kissed our boys goodbye before entering the Paris 2024 Olympic Village. Today I took our boys to see the Eiffel Tower in this, one of my favourite cities in the world.

Tom Daley and Noah Williams finished second
Tom Daley and Noah Williams finished second (Mike Egerton/PA)

“We are so proud of Tom for all of the sacrifices and incredibly hard work he’s put in to get to his 5th Olympics and to make Robbie’s wish come true!”

Daley and Williams smiled as they took to the podium after sharing a hug with one of their coaches following the final round of diving.

It is the second diving medal of the Paris Games for Team GB following a bronze for Scarlett Mew Jensen and Yasmin Harper on Saturday.

Elsewhere in Paris, Team GB stars Tom Pidcock and Max Whitlock will be going for medals in their respective events on Monday, while the eventing team also competes for a place on the platform.