Tom Daley has returned to British Swimming’s World Class Programme for diving ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The 29-year-old took a two-year break from the sport after winning two medals at the Tokyo Games but returned to training earlier this year and is targeting a fifth Olympic appearance.
Announcing his return in July, Daley said: “I don’t know if this is going to be a completely silly idea of me getting back in the pool or an opportunity for me to do this recreationally and have a bit of fun without any pressure, or if my body is going to be able to get back on a diving board and dive half-decently.
Tom Daley announced his return to the pool in July— (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)
“I don’t know what that’s going to look like. Paris 2024 is definitely a goal. I don’t know if it’s going to be possible but you never say never.”
Daley won gold in the synchronised 10 metre platform event in Tokyo with Matty Lee and also claimed bronze in the individual – his fourth Olympic medal.
The podium programme sees athletes receive financial assistance and other support to aid their training and competition.
Yasmin Harper, Scarlett Mew Jensen and Kyle Kothari have all been moved up from podium potential to the main programme.
British Swimming’s associate performance director, Tim Jones, said: “The athletes named onto the World Class Programme are presented with a unique opportunity to build on what they have learnt so far, whilst continuing to develop their skills in our world-class training environments
“We hope that the competition opportunities we can provide over the coming months will allow the cohort to build towards next summer’s Olympic Games.
“Everyone at British Diving is now fully-focused on delivering the best possible medal haul in Paris, whilst continually ensuring that those on long-term plans have appropriate development opportunities throughout the year.”
