Why is Tom Daley knitting at the Olympics? Team GB diver’s crocheting hobby explained
TALENTED diver Tom Daley is not only a medal-winning superstar, he’s also a dab hand with a ball of wool too.
Read on to find out why he’s been spotted knitting in the audience at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and where his love for it came from.
Why does Tom Daley knit at the Olympics?
Diving superstar Tom’s brought his knitting needles along to the Olympics once again.
The Team GB flag-bearer says he’s planning to make a knitted jumper honouring his fifth Olympic Games appearance.
The Olympic star said the craft helped him deal with the impact that Covid restrictions had on the 2020 Tokyo games.
Tom said: “In Tokyo, we weren’t allowed to go out, we weren’t allowed to do anything or to socialise and there was so much time to overthink things so I ended up doing that all the time to get out of my own head.
“It was my meditation, it’s my calm.”
What started out as something to pass the time during the Covid lockdowns though has become something much bigger for the diving star.
He said: “I ordered some needles and some yarn, went on to YouTube, and taught myself how to knit.
“With each project, I learned a new skill or a new technique or a new stitch.
“Then I started designing my own things, and then once I started that, I went to the Olympics and people saw that I knit.
“One thing led to another.”
Since Tom started getting creative with his knitting needles, his passion for the hobby has grown and he’s even brought out his own book.
His Instagram account, dedicated to his woollen delights, has a whopping 1.2million followers.
The dad of two launched his knitting and crocheting brand Made With Love in 2021, and has been credited with inspiring lots of fans to take it up as well.
Made With Love is my baby, but it’s also something that I want to share with everyone and bring everyone into.”
Tom Daley
He said: “I think it would be amazing to be able to create a Made With Love community. Instead of being Team Great Britain, we could be Team Great Knittin’.
“Have all of this team of knitters that want to create things and we do this thing as a community, do a fashion show as a community.
“Made With Love is my baby, but it’s also something that I want to share with everyone and bring everyone into.”
As well as an online store, Tom launched his Made With Love podcast in 2023.
Celebrities joined him to talk about their own passions – with high profiles guests including former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and country star Shania Twain.
What has Tom Daley knitted at previous Olympic events?
One of Tom’s most famous creations is the cardigan he knitted at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
As well as securing two medals – gold in the 10m synchro with Matty Lee and bronze in the solo event – he delighted fans with his superb knitted creations away from the pool.
As well as the famous cardigan these included swimming trunks, a sofa, and even a recreation of a Gucci dress.
He also knitted a little pouch sporting a Union Flag to hold his gold medal.
Elsewhere in his ever-growing portfolio, Daley has knitted a host of colourful jumpers including a perfect recreation of Charlie Brown’s yellow and black top from Peanuts.