Tom Daley made history by becoming the first-ever British diver to win four Olympic medals as he won bronze in the men’s 10 metre platform at Tokyo 2020, in what could be his last-ever Games. The Plymouth-born star, who has yet to confirm whether this will be the end of his incredible Olympic story, was looking strong and in with a shout of gold after three dives before a low score of 80.50 saw him surrender the lead to Chinese duo Jian Yang and Yuan Cao.
Daley was bidding to build on last week’s gold in the men’s synchronised 10m with Matty Lee and this was still a performance to be proud of.
After “making a gourmet dog’s dinner” of the semi-final, the Brit couldn’t have got off to a better start in this morning’s final.
He put 98.6 on the board, executing his reverse three-and-a-half somersaults to near perfection.
Next up for the 27-year-old was the inward three-and-a-half somersaults, said to be his easiest dive of the six as he scored 91.2.
Yang and Cao were hot in pursuit of Daley, who had built up a five-point lead after two dives.
Next up was the three-and-a-half somersaults one twist or as Daley calls it, “The Firework”.
A tricky and technical dive but once again, Daley delivered with a score of 91.80 to continue building his lead at the top.
The door was then left wide open following Daley’s fourth dive: Armstand back three somersaults.
A small volcano-like splash soured his delivery, which saw him score 80.50.
Jian Yang and Cao Yuan then capitalised as they moved ahead of Daley, who dropped down to third wit two rounds of diving to go.
Yuan scored an impressive 97.20 with his armstand back two somersaults, two-and-a-half twists to move to the summit.
When the pressure was on, Daley attempted to turn the screw though and fought back, scoring 94.35 with his forward four-and-a-half somersaults.
Daley’s hopes of gold suffered a major dent after though, as Yang’s put 102.6 on the board with his back three-and-a-half somersaults.
His compatriot Cao almost matched the feat, with 101.75 following his forward four-and-a-half somersaults.
Daley ensured he was guaranteed at least a bronze in his sixth and final dive, registering 91.80 with his three-and-a-half somersaults.
Yang then propelled himself into first place, putting the pressure on Cao with dive of the afternoon, receiving a stunning 112.75 for his forward four-and-a-half somersaults.
Cao was left with no other option but to roll the dice, attempting the back two-and-a-half somersaults, two-and-a-half twists for gold.
He delivered, earning 102.60 to secure gold for China and Yang took the silver in what was a truly astonishing final of the highest quality.
BBC commentator Chris Wear speculated ‘Who knows if we’ll see him again!’ as Daley’s fans sweat on his Olympic future.
On a sad note, it hasn’t been a smooth ride for Daley throughout the games.
He was allegedly the subject of homophobic commentary along with other athletes on Russia’s state-run TV channels.
The Tokyo Olympics have made history when LGBT+ competitors are concerned, with more than 150 athletes participating at the games per reports.
An IOC committee responded: “Discrimination has absolutely no place at the Olympic Games”.
“We have been in contact with our contractual broadcasting partner in Russia in order to get clarity on the situation and to underline the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter and we are following up accordingly,” they said in a statement.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
