Tom Daley ‘to boycott’ Moscow diving competition over anti-gay laws in Russia
The British Olympic diving star Tom Daley is reportedly planning “to boycott” a diving competition in Moscow later this year over anti-gay laws in Russia.
According to the Daily Star Sunday, a source has said that the 19-year-old Olympic medal winner is withdrawing from the FINA Diving World Series out of principle, despite the fact that it could affect his world ranking.
The source said: “Tom decided to boycott the Russian competition due to their despicable treatment of gay people.
“It’s something he feels really passionately about.
“He knows it could lose him ranking points and money but he wants to take a stand, even if it is just a small one.”
“The last thing Tom wants to do is bring his sexuality into his diving. But he does feel a bigger responsibility to be a role model now since coming out.”
It is claimed that Tom’s teammates and his boyfriend Dustin Lance Black all support his decision.
Our source said: “The last thing Tom wants to do is bring his sexuality into his diving. But he does feel a bigger responsibility to be a role model now since coming out.”
The FINA Diving World Series – which is a competition circuit that stops in six countries – is set to take place in Moscow on May 2.
Daley has been hailed by many including Lady Gaga and Clare Balding (among many others), and has been accepted by his grandparents for the announcement.
He was also immortalised in Russian doll form, alongside Sir Elton John, Graham Norton, George Michael and Stephen Fry, in a charity auction.
