Tom Daley Wins First Olympic Gold Medal, Shares Inspiring Message

And just like that, he's won gold.

Star diver Tom Daley won his first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 event. The British diver was triumphant in the Synchronized Swim 10 meter Platform event alongside team member Matty Lee, who is straight. The win breaks a long winning streak by China — 21 years, in fact — in the category. 

Daley's gold comes 13 years into his Olympic career with him appearing at four Olympic events. He's won two bronze medals previously. This was Lee's Olympic debut.

The win comes at a time of unprecedented LGBTQ+ visibility at the Olympics. According to some reports, there are at least 168 out LGBTQ+ athletes competing which is reportedly three times the out athletes that competed in Rio.

"You know there are more openly out LGBT athletes at this Olympic Games than any other Olympic Games previously," Daley said at the press junket after the win. "I came out in 2013 — December 2013. When I was younger I always felt that I was the one that was alone and different and didn't fit in, that there was something about me that was never going to be as good as society wanted me to be. And I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone and you can achieve anything and there is a whole lot of your chosen family ready to support you. I think it's one of those things that I'm incredibly proud to say: that I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion."

On the road to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Daley has spoken of how his career and sport are no longer the drivers of his life. He is now married to acclaimed screenwriter Dustin Lance-Black and the pair have a child together, Robbie.

“It’s been the most amazing, life-changing journey for me and I can’t wait to go and see them, my husband and my son, to give them a big hug and be able to celebrate on this incredible journey that it has been," the athlete said after his win of becoming a father.

Daley has previously won the European, World, and Commonwealth gold medals. He will compete in the 10 meter individual event at the Olympic Games as well.