British diver Tom Daley knows the trials of being an Olympian more than most having made his debut at the age of 14 in Beijing. Daley is now balancing his sports with family obligations For him, the journey to Paris silver was the most enjoyable time of his life to date.

Daley who took home gold in the men’s 10 meter platform event that was synchronized at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, made the decision last year to return from retirement, at the request of his younger son Robbie.

His wife Lance Black, a U.S. screenwriter and director as well as their two sons, were part of those in the audience in the Aquatics Centre on Monday night, cheering on Daley 30, as well as fellow teammate Noah Williams for each of their six dives.

“I’m very happy to be capable of deciding to return in the midst of two years (retirement),” a smiling Daley announced after the Monday’s event and even left the door open for a return performance at next year’s Games within four years in the future.

“I think the most important thing was setting an example for my kids that if you’ve got an idea and do your best but that doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to accomplish exactly what you desire, but rather, it’s about having fun and putting in the effort do to be the best that you could to be.” Daley said.

The team were unable to beat the Chinese team of Yang Hao and Lian Junjie who finished 30 points better than the other competitors after six rounds in order to take the gold. However, that didn’t ruin the event.

Los Angeles still possible?

“For me the year I’m in … was the most enjoyable I’ve had diving over the last years, because diving was not always my primary goal. Of of course, it was crucial. However, there are few things more valuable than having kids and having the opportunity enjoy time spent with them.” Daley said.

“So I changed my training routine to train every day, from Monday to Friday. Then, I was in a position to the train from seven to 10 a.m. every day before spending the remainder of the day with my children.”

Daley’s Olympic journey began in 2008 at the Beijing Games in Beijing, where he was 7th in the men’s 10 meter individual platform race.

He continued to take home a bronze medal at the event a year after at his home Olympics held in London after becoming one of the main characters in the Games. He also took home silver in synchronized 10-meter race at the Rio Games.

The popularity of his profile grew after he declared himself gay in the year 2013. His life and personal and love for knitting were covered in tabloids, and his social media pages gained thousands of fans.

He won victory during his participation in the Tokyo Games three years ago together with dive partner Matty Lee. They won the 10-meter platform synchronized event which was a major setback to help China achieve its goal of winning all eight golds offered.

Daley left his options open when the reporter asked Reuters about what his plans for the future were. Daley’s coming Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

“Oh God I’m not really sure as of yet,” he said. “I changed from being the youngest team member in 2008 to being one of the best divers on team. I’d like to relish this moment and then decide on my future diving plans in the near future.”

“They could be adding other events to the Olympic Games in LA … I’m in LA currently. It could be the possibility to hold another at home Olympic Games,” he stated. “But in the present I’m trying to be part of this moment and examine the situation following this.”