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3mo ago

Tom Daley Chronicles Bullying, Grief and Body Image in New Documentary

1.6 Seconds shows how family support guided the Olympic medalist through emotional hurdles.

Olympics - London 2012 Olympic Games - Aquatics Centre - 11/8/12 Diving - Men's 10m Platform Final - Great Britain's Tom Daley celebrates celebrates with his Bronze medal Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic PLEASE NOTE: FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY/File Photo
Diver Tom Daley attends a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla for Olympic and Paralympic medalists at Buckingham Palace in London, Britain November 2, 2022. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo
Tom Daley poses with his OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to diving, as well as in recognition of his charity work and his support of LGBTQ+ rights following an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Britain July 12, 2022. Andrew Matthews/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • The documentary premiered globally on Max and on olympics.com in the U.S. on June 1, 2025.
  • Daley reveals he endured severe bullying after his 2008 Olympic debut, including threats to break his legs and locking himself in a classroom for safety.
  • The film recounts the impact of his father’s death from brain cancer days after his 17th birthday and the ensuing isolation.
  • Daley discusses his struggle with body-image issues and an eating disorder after being urged to lose weight by British Diving’s performance director in 2011.
  • He credits his husband, Dustin Lance Black, and their two sons with helping him find perspective and self-worth beyond diving.