Exclusive: Tom Daley's Secret to Recharging: A Simple Hobby That Helps Him Relax and Rebalance

Tom Daley’s Passion for Knitting and Crocheting

Finding a hobby that brings joy, relaxation, and stress relief is essential in today's fast-paced world. Olympic diver Tom Daley has become an inspiration to many with his love for knitting and crocheting. During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he captured the attention of millions not just for his diving skills, but also for being seen knitting while hanging out with his teammates by the pool. This unique moment sparked a wave of interest in his creative pursuits.

Tom has since shared his passion for these crafts, emphasizing how they help him unwind and slow down. He explained that after always pushing himself too hard and focusing only on work, he needed something creative to take his foot off the pedal. “I learned to unwind and slow down a bit,” he said. “My coach always said I was on the go and doing too much. For me, the best part about creativity is taking a break to rest and relax. It’s how I reconnect with myself and my personal tastes.”

A New Television Venture

Tom's dedication to his hobby has led to an exciting new opportunity. ITV producers have recognized his passion and invited him to host a brand-new Channel 4 knitting competition series called Game of Wool. The show will feature 10 participants competing in a series of complex challenges to become the UK’s first TV knitting champion.

Similar to the popular Bake Off, contestants will create unique designs and impressive wool-based pieces. While the first season of Game of Wool has yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to air towards the end of this year. Tom expressed his excitement about taking on his first hosting role, saying, “I am very excited, and slightly nervous, to be taking on my first ever hosting role on a project that encompasses everything I’m passionate about. I adore all things knitting and encourage everyone to pick up some knitting needles and give it a go!”

How to Make Your Own Diet Coke Crochet Bag

For those interested in trying their hand at crocheting, Tom has shared a step-by-step guide to making his famous Diet Coke bag. Below are the materials you’ll need and the instructions:

What You'll Need

• Red yarn
• Silver yarn
• Crochet hook
• A needle
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make a Granny Square

You’ll make three granny squares in total to finish this bag. Each square has four layers, which are called rounds. For each, you’ll use red and silver yarn to get a Diet Coke-inspired look.

Step 1A: Red Yarn - Make three little chains with your hook. - Turn them into a small ring. - Into the ring: Make four more chains. - Do three treble crochets into the ring. - Make two chains (this forms a corner). - Do three more treble crochets. - Repeat until you’ve made four sides with corners. - Finish with two treble crochets. - Close the ring by pulling your yarn through the top chain. - Cut the red yarn and tuck in the end.

Step 1B: Silver Yarn - Attach silver yarn in one of the corners. - In that space: Make four chains. - Do three treble crochets. - Make one chain. - In each of the next three corners: Three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain. - When you get back to the first corner: Do two treble crochets and close the round. - Cut the silver yarn and tuck in the end.

Step 1C: Red Yarn - Start in a corner. - In corners: Three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain. - In sides: Three treble crochets, one chain. - Go all the way around. - Finish, cut the yarn, and tidy the end.

Step 1D: Silver Yarn - Repeat the same steps as Round three: - Corners: Three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain. - Sides: Three treble crochets, one chain. - Finish and snip the yarn.

Step 2: Sew the Squares Together

Once you have made three granny squares by following the above method, you want to sew them together to form the shape of the bag. To do this you want to:

• Put two squares together with the front sides facing in.
• Use silver yarn and a needle to sew along one side using a zig-zag stitch.
• Add the third square to form a pouch.
• Knot and snip your yarn.

Step 3: Make the Handle

Now it's really coming together! All you need is to create a handle so you can carry around your Diet Coke with ease.

• Do six half treble crochets across the top:
• Two stitches in one section of the square.
• Two in the space between sections.
• Two in the next section.
• Make one chain, then turn your work.
• Keep stitching rows of six half treble crochets, turning each time, until your handle is approximately 12cm long (around the height of a can of Diet Coke).
• To finish the handle, you can:
• Stitch the end of the handle to the other side using your hook (just like you started), OR
• Use a needle and silver yarn to sew it on using a zig-zag stitch through the edge.
• Knot the end, cut the yarn. Now it’s time to show off your Diet Coke crochet bag.