Tom Daley Opens Up About Body Image Issues: ‘I Hate the Way I Look’
Olympian and former diver Tom Daley has spoken candidly about his body image issues, revealing that he struggles with the way he looks. According to a report by The Pink News, Daley, who recently retired from the Olympics and married husband Dustin Lance-Black in 2017, has suffered from severe body image issues throughout his career.
Daley, who won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is no stranger to being in the public eye, often strutting about in skimpy speedos. However, in a feature for The Times, he shared that he "hates the way he looks" and has "always had horrible body issues" throughout his diving career. As The Pink News reported, Daley added that he "struggled" with a recent photo shoot, saying, "I hate the way I look. I’ve always had such horrible body issues going through my diving career. Now I’m not an athlete that trains six hours a day, I especially hate it."
Daley’s body image issues have been ongoing, with the Olympian admitting that he has struggled with eating disorders since 2012. As quoted in The Pink News, he said, "I remember looking in the mirror in, say, 2016, and hating the way that I looked. And then you flash forward ten years and you’re, like, I wish I looked like that. Why didn’t I just appreciate it?" Daley also spoke about the pressures of social media and gay culture, saying, "Growing up in the initial ages of social media and gay culture, being held to such a high standard, it’s really difficult. Now I need to just have a healthy relationship with my body."
The Olympian’s comments have sparked a conversation about body image and the pressures faced by individuals, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. The Pink News reported that Daley is now focusing on promoting a positive body image and has upcoming projects, including his own game show Game of Wool and a trip to the Traitors castle on the celeb edition of the show.
Daley’s documentary, 1.6 Seconds, is set to be released on discovery+ on June 1st. The documentary will explore Daley’s life and career, including his experiences with body image issues. As The Pink News noted, Daley’s decision to speak openly about his struggles is a significant step towards promoting positive body image and reducing stigma around mental health.
In conclusion, Tom Daley’s candid comments about his body image issues have sparked a vital conversation about the pressures faced by individuals, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. As reported by The Pink News, Daley’s story serves as a reminder that even those in the public eye can struggle with body image issues and that seeking help and promoting positive body image is essential for maintaining good mental health.
