Tom Daley’s fans will always associate the Tokyo Olympics with his first gold medal, achieved with Matty Lee in the men’s 10-meter synchronised platform. However, the Tokyo Games, delayed by the pandemic, also marked Daley’s debut as a skilled knitter and crocheter—a previously hidden aspect of his life that continued through his silver medal win in Paris and now into retirement.
Daley was as surprised as anyone by the public’s reaction to seeing him meticulously knitting in the nearly empty Tokyo Aquatics Centre. His white cardigan, adorned with the union flag, Team GB logo, Olympic rings, and kanji characters for “Tokyo,” became a symbol of the Games’ unique circumstances. Spectators were largely absent, and daily updates on Covid-19 infections in the Olympic village were constant reminders of the pandemic’s impact.
Knitting, Daley explained, was a way to escape the pressures of competition and the monotony of life in the Games bubble. Three years later, he is set to return to Tokyo for his first knitted art exhibition at Parco Museum Tokyo in Shibuya. The event, running from November 8-25, will feature Daley’s personally selected pieces under the theme “Made With Love,” a nod to his yarn range and Instagram account that documented his knitting journey.
“I’m so excited about the exhibition,” Daley said. “It’s been a long time in the works. I’ve been working on designs and ideas I wanted to portray. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this, and I feel it’s fitting to do it in Japan and Tokyo, where the fascination with my knitting began.” The exhibition promises an immersive experience, blending light, music, and interactive elements to showcase Daley’s dual identity as an athlete and artist.
Visitors will have the opportunity to knit their own pieces under Daley’s guidance, fostering a sense of community and mindfulness. As he transitions from diving to a new chapter, Daley’s exhibition also highlights his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The proceeds from the event will support Marriage for All Japan, an organization campaigning for same-sex marriage.
Daley hopes the exhibition will inspire visitors to try knitting, crocheting, or even diving, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. “You never know what it might turn into,” he said.
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