- 23 Aug 08, 04:22 PM
Neither Tom Daley or I ever talked about winning a medal in the 10m individual platform competition and I'm very proud of the way he dived in the final.
He raised his game from the preliminaries to the semi-final and then raised his game again.
He'll be the first to admit that he was not on top of his game in the final, but he finished seventh and there are good things to take away from the Olympics.
Obviously there are things to improve on as well, but most importantly, he competed with a smile on his face and he goes away smiling.
He has enjoyed the whole Olympic experience and that has given him the best preparation for London 2012.
Let's not forget he's only 14 - he starts his GCSEs in September - but he has shown he can hold his nerve and perform on the greatest stage in the world and he has dealt with massive media interest like a true professional.
He knows he could have performed better in the final, but every diver will analyse their performances and even Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham will look at his third dive and say it's not as good as it could have been.
But overall, Mitcham dived out of his skin and there were crazy scenes in the final round - you couldn't have scripted a more dramatic finale.
He finished with back 2.5 somersaults with 2.5 twists, a dive I invented 10 years ago when the governing body changed the rules and you could calculate a formula to give you high tariff dives.
I used it in the Olympics four years ago to get into the final and scored straight nines, but Mitcham improved on that.
It was a dramatic final dive and stopped the Chinese winning all eight competitions as happened when Russia's Gleb Galperin won world championship gold in Melbourne last year.
Tom will go and enjoy the closing ceremony now before going home and having a couple of days off before he starts preparations for the World Junior Championships, which are in Germany from 16-12 September.
And then it's a tough four years ahead - Tom will be 18 by the time London 2012 comes around and his body will have gone through many physical changes, and he faces many mental challenges as well, as the pressure increases further.
As his mentor, I'll be there to offer advice and guide, but I'll be placing no expectations on him.
Leon Taylor was talking to BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener.
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Comments
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He has done himself and the country proud. Well done to the young fellow. I am sure he will be on that podium in 2012.
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I am not British but I am proud of Tom. He is so young and talented. Well done, Tom! You can do better in 2012.
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Tom's great young lad. Can't wait to see him competing in 2012.
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Tom did a wonderful job, the whole of the diving final was a joy to watch.
I have to say I thought Leons commentary was very informative and quite often hilarious, so well done Leon!
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He was not helped at the beginning by a rabid media. But he handled it all well in the end. Good luck to him in 2012.
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Tom Daley will certainly shine in London 2012!!!
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Funny how he did a lot better without the mama's boy alonside him as "teammate"!
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TomDaley: No doubt talented and a great medal hope in 2012. However, I find the way today he twice mentioned alluding to the fact he is so glad a chinese person didn't win the gold medal as well as the way he comes across is providing insight into a orange permatan arrogant kid who should look at the humility and respect granted to fellow sportsman of fellow great British Olympians and reconsider what he says in future.
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Tom was fantastic! Well done to him - for his age he's achieved a tremendous result.
He also handles his interviews superbly as though he's been doing it all his life! A media career awaits in the future....!
I thought his synchro partners comments earlier in the games were bang out of order.
Well done Tom you've done brilliantly. You can go for Gold in London!
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Agree with 'angelgerald'. I missed the part regarding what he said about the chinese. Please ignore post no.2. He doesn't deserve my respect after those comment.
Also, Leon. Please make sure you don't make the same mistake like Tom in the future. Remember you said something in the BBC live broadcast of 10m platform diving today:"It must be a 9 or higher.......If he is chinese then the judges surely will give a 10"? It was an unjustified comment on telly. Hope we don't hear it again on BBC.
Best wishes with 2012!
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Just wondering how many people in the UK parcipate in diving than in other sports like athletics and swimming. I think it is a lot harder to get in the track team than diving. For example as a athlete like myself at county standard i have to win races at district then county then regional then national to get into the english team. This doesnt happen in diving does it?
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#8 - I thought he was just alluding to the fact that it's impressive that a non-Chinese won a medal, given that China was so dominant and had won 7 out of 7 before then?
He has a lot of respect for the Chinese divers if you read some of his interviews, I don't think he meant it to come out like that. Nevertheless, I guess the comments will soon be flying in on this blog too....!
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Vaughan_the_Prawn, i was just about to post something along the same lines.
I didn't see the comment as 'anti-Chinese' but simply that we was pleased that the eighth diving gold medal had been won by someone other than Chinese after they had won the other seven.
Certainly not worth losing respect over.
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He's only 14!!! Of course he can say stupid things
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When I first heard his interview, I thought how dare he say that about the Chinese?
Then when I found out they had won 7 out of 7 golds and he didn't want them winning the 8th and final gold, all my anomosity disappeared, and I realised I was very quick to completely judge him and condemn him.
Overall, massive respect and I wish him all the best in 2012, where if he thought this pressue was bad, he will be in for a massive wake up call!
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Oh dear, what on earth was he doing in that interview? 2 swipes at the Chinese.
What he meant was actually alright, but it came out all wrong.
If he meant to say 'I'm glad a Chinese person didn't win because before this they had won 7 out of 7 and it's nice to know other people are in with a chance' that was ok.
But the way he said it, it came out very badly. Choice of words was wrong but the meaning was alright harmless and ok.
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Holy Moley!
Very impressive today, Tom looked like he belonged at that level and that he was enjoying it.
Hopefully the press will now leave him alone and let him get on with training and life in general without having to deal with too much expectation being heaped onto him.
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Just to comment on a few posts -tennischrisperrin - it's just as hard to get into the GB Diving squad as any other sport, plus to get to an international you have to qualify by gaining qualifying points - if your not good enough internationally you can't go!
re the remarks about the chinese divers being marked high by Leon - he's not wrong! Judges are not supposed to mark only the entry! My marks would be at least a point down on many dives, a diver who can't point toes, or who is dangerously close to the board should not get 9's or 9.5, but the chinese did. Though i have to say that the judging was better than in the past. (most of the time)
Tom did far better than expected, but there again we have less facilities and therefore less development potential than most countries so he will suffer excessive media attention as our only real hope
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Having just watched the Olympics coverage today I am slightly confused. I am a patriotic Britain, but am very confused about our standards. There is controversy about the ages of the Chinese Gymnasts, however we have a 14 year competing, and being hyped up in what could be descried as Gymnastics into water (I am also aware of the differences). My main point is why have a min age in one sport and not others. I am not belittling Tom’s achievements it just appears unfair that a talented 14 can compete in one sport and not another.
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does anyone not find it strange a 14 year old seems to be so well-muscled? surely his weight training etc will catch up with him in a few years time with injuries etc?
i think he does have a slight arrogance to him which is so very un-british, but this olympics more athletes (british) have a winning attitude when interviewed
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Fair play to Tom for being in th Olympic finals.
He was probably misinterpreted on what he said about the Chinese.
Though next time he should think properly before he speaks about another person.
I do notice though that everybody talks about Tom being 14 and all.
There are a lot of divers that are in their teens too that never gets mentioned at all.
Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Chen Ruolin of China win the Olympic Sychronised and Indiviual Women's 10m Diving Competition and is current World number 1 and World Champion.
And she is only 15 years old.
You think that would be more impressive.
And it is double standards that a 14 year old can compete in one tough Olympic Sport such as diving and not another such as Gymnastics.
Anyway fair play Tom but fair play to all the other divers too. Especially the champions.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
jtobin - rules are rules. Diving and gymnastics are different sports. Granted they are similar, but also the difference in gender makes it fairly acceptable that each international body for each sport makes their own rules based on the demands of the sport.
Winning mental attitudes are what counts, Sean, I think this Games has been super and Britain can go home from an international competition feeling satisfied and yes, just a little arrogant about their total. We weren't going to beat the Russians or the US or indeed China (too little diversity) but perhaps given the inroads made into other sports like gymnastics and boxing and taekwondo, we can begin to broaden as well as deepen our profile and field teams in the sports we aren't represented in.
I think Tom may have been within his rights to say that he was glad the Chinese didn't win every diving medal; it restores my faith in them personally to see that another nationality can win and that the judging isn't skewed. I know a lot of people have been wondering whether the Chinese gymnasts and divers have been marked more generously by the judges. Actually the second week of both sports showed more diversity than the first.
GOOD LUCK TOM - keep it up and see you in 2012 :).
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i think you might have had one too many shandies 2nite Coleraine888. your comments were over the top and not welcome on a page dedicated to some of britains sporting idols. please leave ur childish remarks to the treehouse you hang out
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
In order to get into any "Team GB" squad you need to be of World Class - whether that is diving or whatever else. Those who dismiss this achievement simply misunderstand the selection criteria.
One of the reasons for our astounding success this last fortnight has been a very un-British ability to identify potential and give it 100% support. The poster comparing athletics to diving needs to apply the same criteria - if you were a world class athlete would you be competing at county level or international? It matters not how many compete it is your ability compared to the standards of that discipline. It's that simple.
Tom Daley has confirmed that his selection was fully merited by reaching the final of his event against the best in the world.
The fact that he has done that in such an established sport at the age of 14 is nothing short of astounding.
I hope that he remains fit and focused enough to have another go in 2012.
....and for that county standard athlete - best of luck - it would be great to see you rise through the ranks
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AngieHoward, sporting idols? Are you being serious? Tom Daley is not a sporting idol! To compete at an olympics at any age is a terrific achievement, and being the age he is makes it very special. But come on, sporting idol? No way. As i said, great achievement but i believe we should give the "sporting idol" accolade to someone who actually WON A MEDAL! (Plus nicola sanders and kelly sotherton because they are hot)
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i was merely using the term sporting idol in the same manner mutley would look up to dastardly, i am not a mad old bat and even when i have'nt taken my medication i can still make chocolate cake without spilling any of the mustard. i think i have made my point.
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Peoples reaction to Tom's comments in a purely innocent interview perfectly sums up the very cynical World Tom Daly is going to become an adult in, Good Luck Tom, You'll need it!
PS I hope you don't pick up too many bad habits from Leon!
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Tom if you’re reading these comments ignore some of the bull. You’re allowed to make mistakes when it comes to interviews. Your allowed not to win aged 14 and you are allowed to have opinions, even if controversial, after all that's what separates us from the Chinese and other totalitarian regimens.
Keep working hard, and most of all don’t let all the idiots out there spoil your enjoyment for your sport. Always try and remember why you enjoy what you do. If you are still enjoying the sport work hard at it. If not go for whatever it is that will make you happy. Remember success will only come from the hunger and enjoyment that comes from deep down inside yourself, and yourself only and when it comes down to it everybody else’s aspirations for you hardly figure if they are not in line with your own.
Hopefully you will continue to enjoy the sport and be able to make the most of your talent, and with a bit of luck I will be with you at the opening ceremony in London.
Take care mate,
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What is it with all these conspiracy theories on here about the judges they are not solely Chinese. Therefore, the results can not be "fixed" in favour of the Chinese divers.
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In regards to "Babie1234" by saying that the comments were wrong i'm not sure as if you watched a lot of the events you would notice the judging was in favour of the Chinese in a lot of events which is typical of most countrys when they host the games.
As for Tom's coment about him being glad the chinese didn't win it is a fair comment i'm sure everyone has watched an event or a football match and said they were glad the other team ect didn't win so i don't think there was any malice involved just his oppinion which everyone is entitled to.
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What is the legal age for competitors. It was to to 16. Are the British cheating? Again.
Talk the talk, and sleaze in the back way!
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Simonc3 - The legal age in diving at Olympics is 14, not 16.
Is it the right age? I'd possibly think no, I would say that 16 should be a minimum age for any event, BUT, then that would need to be checked, and some countries can manipulate whatever data they have (see gymnastics).
RE: Tom's arrogance. Actually nice to see a British athlete who's not embarrassed to be good! We are usually happy to compete and not to win, actually we seem to think we should be embarrassed to win!
It would be great if we had enough facilities locally around the country to try and find more like him, but, with nothing in most of London, none in Birmingham and 8 counties without a single diving board!
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Good article.
I think young Tom did a sterling job for someone so young and will improve and take a medal in London in 2012.
I never thought I would be rooting for an Aussie, but was highly delighted with his last dive and gold medal.!!
I thought the Canadian girl was definitely cheated out of the Gold the other evening when the final Chinese girl was adjudged a better dive ( the ' judges ' ..... made sure with lots of 10's..... ).
In truth I have loved the games throughout, but some of the judging in many disciplines was dire and biased and China's 51 gold's need some serious scrutiny !!!!
Teakwondo eh !!??
Well done all contributors and bloggers.
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I watched Tom Last night being interviewed on BBC along with gold medalists and I thought he showed a maturity beyond his years. I, like many others, thought he did extremely well given the hype and pressure around him and I think his parents will be very proud of him not only for his outstanding achievements but in positive behaviour and attitude he demonstrated throughout. Well done Tom and good luck for the future.
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Well done Tom - great effort and a great performance.
He would have learnt so much from the last 2 weeks, especially about the atmosphere in an Olympics and the standard of the competition. Not saying he will win Gold in 2012 but he could be very close
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The olympics coverage has been fantastic, especially the rolling digital replays. But what happened to the replay of the diving final? I watched the semi final, but then the final wasn't being showed last night.
Come on BBC, we want to watch Tom in the final in full, not just one dive in the news article. The diving commentary in particular has been great. Please put it on tonght!!!
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Although I thought OOOppps when Tom said he was pleased that the Chinese didn't win, I understood what he meant. They seem to have a stranglehold and could, to other divers become unbeatable. This result showed that they could be outdived (not just marked up).
The Danes, in their despair, have been reported as saying its not worth turning up against the British cyclist! In reality they will all go away and train to beat us or give up now.
I am sure with Leon in his career Tom will train to achieve his fullest potential as a young man and a diver and I wish him the very best.
Leon, even if I wasn't that interested in diving I would have engaged with it just on the quality of your passion, knowledge and presentation. Brilliant.
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Oh my word, people will moan about anything! Tom mentioned in the interview that it was a good thing somebody other than china actually won something in this sport. The marking throughout the games has been bias towards the chinese in diving as well as taekwondo and boxing. Babi and angel are talking absolute tosh, it was a breath of fresh air to see somebody else win the medals and im sure that was all Tom meant by his comment.
"He doesnt deserve my respect..."
Grow up and stop talking rubbish and stop picking faults with something that was innocent before you give yourself a stress related heart attack!
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Hi Tom, if you are reading this. I guess your choice of words was very wrong but hey you are just 14 and still learning. Cheer up and have fun. Keep the bloody splash down in 2012. See you on the podium :)
Yes, people moan about anything!! :(
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Looks like I'm the only person who is sick to death of the disproportionate amount of attention being lavished on Tom Daley. Yeah, I know he's only 14 yada yada. He also came last and second last in a completely pointless event.
There are GB Olympians who won medals at these game, but because they aren't 14 and aren't photogenic and don't spin around in mid air they have been largely ignored.
Zac Purchase, Annie Vernon, Colin Smith, Steven Burke, Bryony Shaw, Iain Percy, Joanne Jackson and others have also competed for Great Britain and actually won things. How about a bit of balance?
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A House Of Cards
(1)
A house of cards
Is neat and small;
Shake the table,
It must fall.
(2)
Find the court cards
One by one;
Raise it, roof it,
Now it's done;
Shake the table!
That's the fun.
-----by runescape money
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There are some strange comments on this one. Lets review and see what makes sense.
1. Fact Tom Daley earned his place in the Olympic Final.
2. Fact He is for his age an outstanding Prospect for 2012.
For a 14 Year old I have been impressed with the way he has conducted himself and represented his sport.
Diving is a minority Sport, but exactly the same as any other if you are Good Enough does it matter how old you are ?
Well done to the GB Diving Team.
Good luck for Junior Worlds.
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Great Britain platform diving champion, European 10mtr Platform champion, Olympic diver, seventh best diver on the planet and many more junior and senior medals, too many to mention her. All at the age of fourteen. This kid is phenomenal.
On top of that he is articulate, intelligent and modest and from all his interviews that I have seen and heard he is one of the nicest kids on the planet.
Good luck in Aachen for the Junior world championships Tom.
As for the negative remarks. Tom has done more for the sport of diving among his age group than anyone. Boys and girls are having to go on waiting lists to join diving clubs since the games began, I know that for a fact from my local club.
All our swimmers deserve our congratulations just for becoming Olympic athletes and Tom especially for being world class at the tender age of fourteen.
The Chinese loved him, and as a fellow Devonian I’m very proud of him. He’s done more in his 14 years than most of us have done in a lifetime and he’s worked incredibly hard.
I’ve listened carefully to the remark he made about being pleased a Chinese diver did not win and I understand what he meant and I agree. For a long time China’s superiority has created a mental barrier. The USA, Brits and USSR went into the games aiming for silver or bronze, they didn’t consider gold possible. Now that barrier has been broken. Tom compared it to the four minute mile record being broken. The mental barrier had been broken and it’s been slowly improved since. He might be only fourteen but he’s more intelligent than some posters trying to make something out of nothing over semantics. As for him being cocky, I must have been watching a different Tom Daley because the boy I saw was a normal very bright fourteen year old, very pleasant and dedicated to his sport, the Chinese loved him and he’s built up a worldwide fan base.
If you want to know how good this kid is look up ‘Tom Daley diver’ on Wikepedia.
Platform diving is a minority sport because we have few facilities in this country and it’s a very difficult sport to do at world class level, if you don’t think so try it.
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21. At 01:07am on 24 Aug 2008, williedahomer wrote:
And it is double standards that a 14 year old can compete in one tough Olympic Sport such as diving and not another such as Gymnastics.
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A valid point.
Someone else still argues that different sports are different. I just want to point out the fact that for gymnastics, the age limit for world championship is 14, while for Olympics 16.
Any people who still think it is fair and necessary to have an age limit of 16 for Olympic gymnastics, please give me a reason.
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