British Swimming Statement
Following Tom Daley’s announcement this morning, British Swimming and the ASA have issued the statements below:
British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes said: “Everybody within British Swimming supports Tom and his announcement. It’s a very private matter and doesn’t change the very positive way in which we will continue to work with Tom.
“Tom is one of the world’s leading athletes and has achieved success at every level of competition including Olympic bronze and World gold.
“I hope the media will give Tom the privacy he deserves to allow him to continue to focus on performance as he continues to be an inspiration and role model to millions around the globe.”
Edward Lord OBE, Chairman of the ASA Group Board, who leads on equality for the swimming's national governing body in England and who himself is one of Stonewall's LGB role models said:
"We must all support Tom in taking this incredibly courageous step. To be one of the first British Olympic athletes to come out is very brave and will, I hope, be a signal not just to other sportspeople but to all young people that you can be open about your sexuality, even in a very public environment. I am very proud of Tom."
