In a heartfelt documentary, Tom Daley shares the impact of losing his father and how it shaped his life as an Olympic diver.
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In a deeply personal revelation, Tom Daley opens up about the last moments spent with his father before he lost him to a brain tumor in 2011. This emotional journey unfolds in the new Warner Bros. Discovery documentary titled ‘Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds’, which is set to release this Sunday.
The film not only chronicles Daley’s rise to fame but also delves into the profound impact his father’s illness had on him during his formative years as an athlete.
Tom Daley’s early career and family struggles
Daley, who became a household name at just 14 years old as Great Britain’s second youngest male Olympian during the Beijing 2008 Olympics, has since amassed a remarkable collection of accolades, including gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
However, the diver’s early career was marked by the shadow of his father’s declining health. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, Robert Daley’s journey was fraught with challenges, yet he remained a steadfast supporter of his son’s budding career, traveling with him despite his illness. The documentary poignantly captures this dual narrative of success and heartache, illustrating how intertwined the two were during Daley’s rise.
Memories of loss and resilience
Tom recalls the heart-wrenching moment when he first witnessed his father’s condition in the hospital, where Robert had just undergone surgery to remove a tumor the size of a grapefruit. “I didn’t know it was terminal at the time,” Daley reflects in the documentary. “You think of your parents as invincible.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as many can relate to the belief that loved ones will always be there, no matter the circumstances.
The pivotal moment came in February 2011 when Tom was in Mexico preparing for the London Olympics. A call from his mother shattered his world, informing him that his father was receiving end-of-life care. The urgency of that moment forced Daley to confront the reality of his father’s deteriorating health. “How could I keep going? How could I do what I do every day without him?” he recalls, grappling with the weight of his grief even while he was thousands of miles away.
Final moments and cherished memories
Upon returning home, Daley spent invaluable time with his father during his last months. “Whenever I wasn’t training or at school, I was right next to him,” he shares, reminiscing about working on his driving theory test together. These moments were bittersweet, a blend of mundane activities and profound love that underscored their bond. Tom’s 17th birthday was particularly poignant; he recalls how his father, despite his frail condition, made an effort to be part of the celebration, trying to reach the window to see the festivities.
Tragically, Robert passed away just days after Tom’s birthday. The diver vividly remembers their last interaction, where he held his father’s hand, squeezing it softly. “I didn’t just lose my dad; I lost my biggest cheerleader, my best friend, my mentor,” he says, encapsulating the immense void left by his father’s death.
Life after loss and the path to healing
In the wake of his father’s passing, Daley describes his experience as being on “autopilot.” His first Olympic medal came just a year later at the London 2012 Games, but he admits that he was merely going through the motions. “There are periods of time where I just have no recollection of what happened,” he explains, highlighting the disconnect between his emotional state and the external expectations placed upon him. Training continued, but it was as if he were moving through life in a fog, compelled to fulfill the roles expected of him while wrestling with profound grief.
“I had to put on a brave face,” Daley reflects, a sentiment that many can relate to in times of personal crisis. The documentary serves as a testament to his journey, revealing not just the accolades but the heartache and resilience that defines his story. It’s a raw and honest look at how loss can shape someone, guiding them through their darkest moments and into the light of their accomplishments.
