Coming Up for Air - by Tom Daley (Paperback)

About the Book

"A deeply personal and inspiring memoir from one of the most celebrated and influential names in British sport. With his unforgettable medal-winning performance in the 2012 London Olympics, double world champion Tom Daley captured the heart of the nation. This year's Games in Tokyo will be his fourth, and Tom is embarking on them with a renewed sense of perspective about what matters in life. Over the years, we have watched Tom go from strength to strength professionally, gathering record-breaking achievements and countless awards along the way. But we have also seen him grow into the man he's become today: a husband, a father and a role model. In Coming Up for Air, Tom explores the moments and experiences that have shaped him. With each chapter, he reveals a lesson learned along the way, from the resilience he developed competing at world-class level, to the courage he discovered while reclaiming the narrative around his sexuality, and the perspective that family life has brought him. Warm, honest and perceptive, Coming Up for Air offers a unique insight into the life and mindset of one our greatest and most-loved athletes"--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

A deeply personal and inspiring memoir from the celebrated Olympic gold medal diver and LGBTQ+ advocate, who is set to make history in his fifth Olympic games in Paris 2024

Tom Daley is one of the most beloved athletes of our time, garnering Olympic diving medals and finally, in 2021 in Tokyo, winning gold. In 2024, he'll make history as the first British diver to compete in five Olympics. But few people know the realities of his life beyond the pool--his struggles, his secret triumphs and the mindset he needed to cultivate to become a champion.

In this deeply personal book, Tom explores the experiences that have shaped him and the qualities that brought him success and joy--from the resilience he developed competing at a world-class level, to the courage he discovered while reclaiming the narrative around his sexuality, to the perspective that family life has brought him.

Inspiring, candid and compulsively readable, Coming Up for Air offers an intimate window into the life and mindset of an athlete and advocate who has left an indelible imprint on sports.

"An illuminating look at what it takes to be an Olympian... In this story, passion reigns supreme." --Cosmopolitan

Review Quotes

"Inspiring...If you've ever wanted to know what makes a talented athlete like Daley tick, now is the time to delve into his story."--POPSUGAR

"An illuminating look at what it takes to be an Olympian... In this story, passion reigns supreme." --Cosmopolitan

"An emotionally articulate memoir...[and] an intimate insight into the good-hearted and talented young man behind the medals." --Attitude

"An inspirational memoir of a young gay man coming into his own as an athlete, advocate, husband, and father."--Booklist STARRED review

"His charm comes through these pages in abundance.... Daley's conversational style will appeal to a wide audience interested in sports and contemporary gay lives. Highly recommended."--Library Journal STARRED review