Great Britain’s Tom Daley

By Guest Blogger Bo Durkop

You’re never too young to take a dive. Just take note of 14 year old British sensation Tom Daley, who qualified for the 2008 Olympics. Daley is representing Great Britian in the Men’s Synchronised 10m Platform Diving competition. At 5′1″, weighing just over 100 pounds, Daley is the youngest member on the Great Britian diving squad.

Daley started diving at the age of 7, an age in which most children are learning to swim without the use of a floatation device. At 10 years of age, Daley won the platform competition in the National Junior (under 18) group, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the event. In 2008 Daley had become a diving sensation, capturing 1st place in the 10-meter platform at the British Championships. By May of 2008, Daley was ranked 6th in the FINA Diving World Rankings Men’s 10-meter Platform category.

So far Daley has yet to reach expectations, placing 8th in the Men’s 10-meter Platform Sychronized event. Partner Blake Aldridge faulted the lack of Daley’s preparation, as the two appeared to be at odds end with another during the event. Daley has the opportunity to redeem his performance August 22nd as he competes in the Men’s 10-meter Platform.