**Tom Daley Reflects on Relationship and Family Life with Dustin Lance Black Amidst Age Gap**
Former Olympic diver Tom Daley has spoken candidly about his marriage to filmmaker Dustin Lance Black, stating that despite the significant age gap between them, the couple is remarkably well-matched in their ambitions and outlooks. Daley, now 31, and Black, 50, have been together for several years and share two young children, Robbie Ray, age six, and two-year-old Phoenix.
In an interview, Daley was open about the dynamic within their relationship, especially as it relates to the nearly two-decade age difference. When prompted about whether the age gap feels less significant as time goes on, the British athlete confirmed that it indeed appears to narrow with the passage of time. He noted, with some humour, that friends often describe Daley as the “more mature” partner who tends to take charge, adding a personal touch to their well-known public partnership.
Daley elaborated on their mutual understanding and support for one another, stating, “As we grow older, our aspirations and dreams are remarkably in sync. Both of us have always been big dreamers, and the cornerstone of our relationship is the encouragement we provide. Neither of us places restrictions on each other’s ambitions. Instead, we foster an environment where we both have the confidence to pursue our goals fully.”
Recently, the family made a significant move from the United Kingdom to Los Angeles, a decision that Daley attributes to a blend of personal and professional factors. He explained that Dustin Lance Black had previously relocated to the UK to accommodate Daley’s thriving diving career, often at the expense of his own work commitments. Now that Daley has retired from competitive diving—having clinched silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics—the couple felt it was Black’s turn to return to a base where his career is more prominent. Daley expressed a sense of reciprocity and shared sacrifice that underpins their partnership.
Despite stepping away from professional sport, Daley admitted that diving remains close to his heart. He follows competitions avidly and sometimes finds himself critiquing performances, expressing a competitive spirit that has not waned. “There’s a part of me that still thinks, ‘I could do that, maybe even better,’” Daley confessed, reflecting on the challenges of moving on from a lifelong passion. However, he was clear that any thoughts of a comeback are firmly behind him, responding with a definitive, “No, we’re done,” when asked about a potential return to competition.
When it comes to his children, Daley is determined to let them carve their own paths, unconstrained by their father’s sporting legacy. He emphasised that any interest in diving or sport must come from Robbie or Phoenix themselves, rather than from parental pressure. Daley observes that his sons are already showing distinct personalities—with Robbie less interested in the aquatic discipline and Phoenix, the younger of the two, displaying more adventurous tendencies. “Phoenix is our daredevil,” Daley remarked with a laugh, suggesting that if either were to try diving, it would likely be his younger child.
Throughout his reflections, Daley continued to express gratitude for the supportive dynamic present in his household. He highlighted the shared dreams and mutual encouragement that form the backbone of their relationship, painting a portrait of a modern family unit grounded in understanding and reciprocal support.
The couple’s story remains a testament to the idea that personal relationships need not be defined by societal expectations or conventional timelines. Instead, Daley and Black serve as an example of how mutual respect and a willingness to adapt can help couples bridge even sizable differences—whether in age or ambition.
As Daley and his family settle into their new life in Los Angeles, the public will no doubt continue to watch as one of Britain’s best-loved sports couples forges their future, both independently and together, on both sides of the Atlantic.