Tom Daley (Photo: @tomdaley | Instagram)
Tom Daley has pulled out of an event at the Commonwealth Games in Australia because of a hip injury.
Daley took the gold medal in the men’s 10m platform event at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and Glasgow in 2014. However, a hip injury he sustained during training and ‘on-going medical issues’ has led him to pull out of defending his title.
He will still compete with diving partner Dan Goodfellow in Friday’s synchronised event. The pair will be undertaking easier dives than those expected of solo divers.
‘This is a real disappointment for me’
In a statement, Daley said, ‘I have been training so hard for the Commonwealth Games, so this is a real disappointment for me.’
‘The hardest thing for any athlete is coping with an injury, especially when it means they can’t compete in what they have been working towards.
‘I continue training for the 10m synchronised diving event alongside Dan.’
Sports-wise, Daley has had a tough 2018 so far. A concussion sustained in March meant he had to take a break from training in the run-up to this month’s Games on the Gold Coast in Australia. He also fell ill with pneumonia earlier in the year.
Away from the pool, however, Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black are looking forward to welcoming their first child into the world. The high-profile gay couple announced they are to become parents with mutual social media postings on Valentine’s Day.
Daley has also used his trip to Australia to continue his LGBTI advocacy work. Queensland Police yesterday tweeted a photo of him with one of its LGBTI liaison officers.
‘A perfect 10 for @TomDaley1994 today! Thanks for taking the time to meet one of our #LGBTI liaison officers. Two champions for inclusion & diversity.’
A perfect 10 for @TomDaley1994 today! Thanks for taking the time to meet one of our #LGBTI liaison officers. Two champions for inclusion & diversity. 😍#GC2018 #GC2018Diving pic.twitter.com/0yrtifCSeK
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) April 8, 2018
