In a captivating twist, Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley is bringing his love for knitting and crocheting to the forefront with an immersive exhibition in Tokyo. The retired British diver, who famously crafted poolside during the Tokyo Olympics, is now sharing his passion with the world through a unique showcase of his creations and the transformative power of the craft.
From Diving Board to Knitting Needles: Daley’s Unexpected Journey
Tom Daley’s knitting journey began in March 2020, but it wasn’t until the Tokyo Olympics that the world took notice. Photographs of the athlete calmly knitting in the stands between dives went viral, sparking curiosity and admiration from fans worldwide.
I think some people thought I didn’t care about the Olympics, that I was just knitting. Some people thought it was brave to be knitting in public, and some thought: ‘What the hell is he doing?’
Tom Daley
Despite initial skepticism, Daley’s knitting became a symbol of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the pandemic-hit Games. It served as a distraction from the intense pressure of competition and the tedium of life in the Olympic bubble.
Made With Love: An Exhibition of Emotion and Community
Now, three years later, Daley is revisiting the city that cemented his association with yarn through his first knitted art exhibition at Parco Museum Tokyo. The event, titled “Made With Love,” will run for 18 days and feature personally selected pieces that showcase the emotional journey of the craft.
Visitors can expect an immersive experience, with the use of light and music to heighten the emotional impact of Daley’s creations. Interactive installations and personal video tutorials will invite attendees to engage with the craft themselves, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
I want people to feel really immersed in my knitting brain, so that’s the journey I hope to take people on when they come to the exhibition.
Tom Daley
Crafting for a Cause: Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights and Visibility
Beyond showcasing his artistic talents, Daley is using the Tokyo exhibition as an opportunity to continue his campaign for LGBTQ+ rights. The proceeds from merchandise sales and a silent auction of his designs will benefit Marriage for All Japan, an organization fighting for marriage equality in the country.
Daley believes that visibility is a powerful form of activism, and by simply being himself and succeeding in his craft, he hopes to send a message of hope to LGBTQ+ individuals in countries where their rights are not yet recognized.
The more powerful thing is to be able to go to a country that’s hosting a sporting event and just being you and succeeding and doing well.
Tom Daley
Inspiring a New Generation of Crafters and Athletes
As Daley embarks on this new chapter of his life post-diving, he hopes the Tokyo exhibition will inspire visitors to embrace their own passions and step out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s picking up knitting needles for the first time or diving into a new sport, Daley encourages everyone to explore the transformative power of trying something new.
You never know what it might turn into.
Tom Daley
With his retirement from diving, Daley is focusing on expanding his knitting and crocheting business while also considering media opportunities. However, he remains committed to staying involved in the diving community, hoping to one day watch competitions as a spectator and dive for fun once again.
As the world eagerly awaits the opening of “Made With Love,” it’s clear that Tom Daley’s impact extends far beyond the diving board. Through his knitting, he continues to inspire, unite, and push for positive change, one stitch at a time.
