Tom Daley makes history as champion diver is selected for a FIFTH Olympic Games – after sharing his desire to compete in Paris was prompted by his five-year-old son Robbie

Tom Daley will make history as the first British diver to compete in five Olympic Games when he competes in Paris this year.

The decorated 29-year-old first competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, before claiming his first bronze medal at his home trials in 2012 in the 10m platform event.

Daley went on to win two more bronze medals in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, as well as the Team GB star’s first gold in the synchronized 10 metres.

Three years ago, Daley refused to rule out an appearance in the French capital but embarked on an extended break from competition, taking a two-year break.

But with new partner Noah Williams, Daley returned to action in 2023 and took gold in the British National Cup, before winning a silver medal at the World Swimming Championships in Doha in February.

His selection will see him make history for the fifth time after claiming gold and bronze in Tokyo

Daley won his first Olympic medal more than twelve years ago during his home competitions in the 10-meter platform event

Daley and Williams were formally selected on Monday, alongside Lois Toulson and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix in the women’s 10 metres, the three-metre synchronized duo of Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew-Jensen, and the three-metre synchronized men’s pair of Anthony Harding and 2016 Olympic champion, Jack Laugher. .

“There is a fantastic mix of youth and experience within the squad, and I am delighted to welcome back Olympic champions Jack and Tom,” Team GB chef-de-mission Mark England said at the announcement.

‘Congratulations in particular to Tom, who becomes the first British diver to compete in five Olympic Games – a remarkable achievement.’

Daley admitted in July last year that his return to competition was partly motivated by the desire for his son Robbie, five, to see him compete in Paris.

The 29-year-old said his return to the pool was partly motivated by his desire to compete for his son Robbie (pictured alongside husband Dustin Lance Black)

Daley and Black have two children: Robbie (left), 5, and one-year-old son Phoenix (right)

“I’m not ready to be done and hang up my bags and move on with that part of my life,” Daley said in 2023 when he announced his return. “Especially when my son Robbie said, ‘Daddy, I want to see you diving in the Olympics.’

The family – including Daley’s husband, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black – had visited the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, USA, in 2023, and the experience had stirred up a range of emotions for the champion diver.

‘We had the best time ever at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum where we played different games and at the end we went into a room to watch a video about what it means to be an athlete and go on those inspiring journeys see,” he added.

‘I just cried. I couldn’t control myself. I had no regrets about diving. I didn’t do it anymore and in theory I was retired and couldn’t imagine doing it again.

Daley competed in his first Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 (photo during the 10m event)

Also selected were synchronized partners Lois Toulson (left) and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

2016 Olympic champion Jack Laugher will compete in his fourth Olympic Games in July

Daley’s Tokyo partner Matty Lee has been sidelined after spinal surgery

“But when I came out of that museum, something changed in me and that lit a new flame and fire in me to see where this goes.”

Daley is based in Los Angeles and Williams will travel to the United States in May to practice with his partner for two weeks after seeing success despite the short time spent working together.

“I think he has a spare room,” Williams told BBC Sport. “I guess so, otherwise I have no idea where I’m staying.”

Daley’s previous Tokyo partner Matty Lee is currently unable to compete after undergoing spinal surgery in March.