Q & As
Got a question you want to ask Tom Daley? Simply send us your questions and the best ones will be answered by Tom himself. If your question is chosen you will receive a t-shirt signed by Tom Daley.
Why did you choose to do diving instead of another sport? Are you any good at swimming if so we both have something in common. How old were you when you started diving because my dad has been telling me that I should start diving but im afraid of heights
I started swimming when I was 3 so I am a strong swimmer. I chose diving because it is a really good, fun sport to do and it is exciting. I started diving when I was 7 and I was terrified at first but then you have just got to have fun and then you relax and it's really good. I advise you that you at least try diving because I can almost guarantee you that you will enjoy it.
How was it when you were on A Question of Sport?
It was really good fun because I always watch it on TV and when you are actually on the programme it is fun but still really weird.
I am scared that when I do a back dive I am going to hit my head! Any tips?
You just have to be confident and trust your coach. As long as you get your hips up and reach back, you will be fine.
How much training for you have to do?
I train 6 days a week for 4 hours a day.
What does it feel like being so high up?
When you stand on the 10m platform it can feel quite scary the first time as it is very high. The more I practise though the less scary it feels and I have got quite used to it now. When you dive it feels a bit like going down a rollercoaster.
How many flips can you do in one go whilst diving?
At the moment the most I can do is 3.5 but there is a dive where you have to be able to do 4.5. I am going to start learning this dive soon.
I have been doing gymnastic for a while now and have done one competition, what would your advice be as I want to gain confidence to do more and get better as one day I would like to be in the Olympics just like you have, but I’m only 7 yrs old?
Basically I would just say enjoy your gymnastics. Have fun and don’t think about it too much. just do it and enjoy yourself. Keep up the training too. Good luck with the gymnastics and we may see you at the Olympic Games one day.
What was it like when you found out you'd qualified for the Olympics?
It was an amazing feeling. Imagine everything you have always wanted to do suddenly happening. This was what I had always wanted and I knew a few months later I would be competing in Beijing. I didn’t know what to do, I was so excited
How long can you hold a handstand for?
I was interviewed on 'Basil Brushes' Swap Shop' whilst doing a handstand and the interview lasted 30 seconds so I know I can hold one for that long. In competitions you have to hold for 4 to 5 seconds so the judges can see you are able to balance. If you hold it too long though you use up too much energy. When doing training in the pool I hold it for 4 to 5 seconds but when training in the gym I hold for 10 seconds to build up my strength.
How do you decide to go for more difficult dives?
It is my coach that would advise me when is the best time to try a new dive, as well as when I feel comfortable. I would need to have perfected the easier dives and all the individual skills that make up the more difficult dives. I start off by doing sections of the dive on the lower boards such as 3m, 5m and 7m and work up to the 10m platform. I also do a lot of land training using the harness to learn the moves before trying them in the pool.
