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TOM IS BEST IN EUROPE
Tom Daley
produced the performance of his career yesterday to become European 10m platform
champion.
The Plymouth Diving Club sensation not only secured his first international
senior title but also nailed notable scalps in a nail-biting final at the
European Championships in Eindhoven, Holland.
The 13-year-old defeated both
Germany's World Cup winner Sascha Klein and current world champion Gleb Galperin,
of Russia, on his way to claiming gold at the Tongelreep National Swimming
Centre tournament.
Daley's achievement is made all the more
remarkable as Klein and Galperin are the only divers to have beaten the
all-conquering Chinese at recent world-class meetings.
Daley said he had been determined to return to Plymouth with a medal after
surprisingly missing out in the men's synchro finals on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Herald Sport yesterday, Daley admitted to
being 'over the moon' at winning gold and becoming Britain's first European
champion since 1999.
"I feel fantastic - I really didn't expect to win the individual gold," said
Daley.
"To win my first senior title and also to beat two divers of the quality of
Klein and Galperin makes up for the disappointment of finishing sixth in the
men's synchro.
"Everyone thought it would have been the other way around - with me and (dive
partner) Blake Aldridge doing well in the synchro.
"But instead I've come home with an individual gold medal - I'm absolutely over
the moon.
"I had been doubly determined after the synchros not to come back without a
medal.
"I wasn't going to give in without a real fight.
"But, to be honest, I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere in diving without
the support and backing of my family and the support and encouragement of my
team-mates in Plymouth," he added.
Daley topped the podium four points off his personal best score after producing
flawless dives in rounds four and five in diving's blue riband event.
Although his entry into the water in the final round was less impressive than
his usual high standard, Daley was still too good for second-placed Klein and
Italy bronze-medallist Francesco Dell'Uomo.
Daley finished with a score of 491.95 points, ahead of Klein on 487.60pts and
Dell'Uomo on 481.30.
Watched by his parents, Rob and Debbie, brothers William and Ben plus his
paternal grandparents, Daley equalled the achievement of Briton Tony Ally who
won the three-metre European title almost 10 years ago.
And, according to his Great Britain and Plymouth diving coach Andy Banks, Daley
again showed he is able to step up in class when the challenge is on for him.
"It's the difference, really, between Tom and many of his rivals," said Banks.
"He was able to win gold in the individual through his talent and his
determination after losing out in the synchros.
"It's another fantastic achievement for him and it's well deserved as he tucked
in and dug in when the pressure was on him.
"To beat competitors like Gleb and Sacha and without being at his best at times,
just shows what a true champion Britain and Plymouth has."
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