Diver Tom Daley hints at getting back in the pool if London hosts 2040 Olympic Games
Tom Daley has hinted he would return to Stratford's Olympic swimming pool if the 2040 Games return to London.
Speaking to ITV News London in Soho on Thursday, the decorated diver said if a bid for London to host the Games is approved it "might get me out of retirement."
"Can you imagine how old will I be? I'll be 46," he added.
He said: "There's something that's so special about London. I just love being here. The atmosphere, the energy here is so incredible.
"The London Aquatic Centre is still to this day one of the best aquatic centres in the whole world. It will hold a very special place in my heart for a very long time."
The five-time Olympic medalist confirmed his retirement from diving in August last year, during the Paris 2024 Games.
The 31-year-old won silver alongside Noah Williams in the men's synchronised 10m platform in Paris to complete his set of medals, now with one of every colour.
Daley, whose new documentary 1.6 Seconds premiered last night, first competed in the 2008 Games at the age of 14.
He won bronze in London 2012 and again in Tokyo in 2021 on the 10m platform. In 2016 in Rio he secured a third bronze in the men's synchronised 10m platform.
The Olympian managed gold with teammate Matty Lee in Tokyo 2021 in the synchronised 10m platform.
How likely is it that London will host the 2040 Olympics?
London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan has been open about wanting to host the Olympics in 2040 saying the city would be able to reuse venues from the 2012 Olympics and allow London to stage the "greenest games ever".
Last month, Khan told The Times he believes that positive economic impact should drive an ambition to make London the sporting capital of the world – including the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 15 years' time.
'I would like to see London become the first city to host the Games four times,' he said.
'And if we have the World (Athletics) Championships in 2029, it means in the lead-up there's energy, enthusiasm and investment in track and field.
'Globally, everyone loves coming to London. And we've managed to stage a good event every year in the London Diamond League. I'm in favour of this.
"We could knock it out of the park in relation to the Olympics, using the assets we already have in the aquatics centre, the stadium, the velodrome."
London last hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Having the Games again in 2040 would cap a golden period which would include hosting the men's football Euros in 2028 and the Women's World Cup in 2035.
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