Words: Will Stroude
Fresh from two gold medal-winning diving performances, Tom Daley and Matty Lee are setting their sights firmly on this summer’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
The elite divers, who have been partnered in the men’s synchronised 10-metres platform event since 2018, open up about their personal chemistry, family lives and sporting success as they appear in an exclusive new shoot and interview in the Attitude July issue – out now to download and to order globally.
Tom Daley for the Attitude July issue, out now (Photography: Eddie Blagbrough)
After sensationally taking home gold at the FINA Diving World Cup in Japan and the European Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Tom and Matty take the plunge once again as they talk staying fit and sane in lockdown, Tom’s hope to provide son Robbie with a sibling (or two), and staying pals amid the pressures of top-flight sport.
Speaking to Attitude following their recent competition success, Tom, 26, tells us: “[I’m] really happy coming away from the Diving World Cup and European Championships with three gold medals.
Tom wears swimwear by adidas (Photography: Eddie Blagbrough)
“It’s actually the first gold medal I’ve ever won at a World Cup event. [I’m] Really happy with that and winning two is awesome. It shows consistency and that our training is paying off.
“So [I’m] really excited about continuing through to the Olympic Games this summer.”
23-year-old Matty, who reveals in the Attitude July issue how Tom helped him settled to London life by throwing weekly dinner parties attended by the likes of Drag Race legend Courtney Act, adds: “Winning two gold medals ahead of the Olympic games obviously is a great benchmark to see where we are at.
Matty Lee wear swimwear by adidas for the Attitude July issue, out now (Photography: Eddie Blagbrough)
“I’m very glad we made the trip all the way to Japan to familiarise ourselves with the Olympic pool and because of that I feel confident and very excited for the Games.”
Elswhere in the Attitude July issue:
Former swimmer Schuyler Bailar caused ripples when he became one of the first high-profile transgender athletes. We speak to the writer and diversity speaker about his experiences and the trans sports backlash that’s currently gathering pace in the US and elsewhere.
Schuyler Bailer (Photography: Rose Lincoln and Sydney Claire)
Scene legend Princess Julia searches the sensitive soul of American singer-songwriter John Grant, quite possibly music’s most discerning mind.
John Grant (Photography: Hörður Sveinsson)
Peter Scott-Morgan was determined not only to survive but thrive when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease — by becoming the world’s first full ‘cyborg’.
The scientist tells Attitude how being gay and his love for his husband, Francis, fuelled his extraordinary fight to rewrite his future.
Peter Scott-Morgan
Mum’s the word for After Love director and writer Aleem Khan as he reveals how his own family experiences shaped his moving new film.
Aleem Khan
As the impact of Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin continues to be felt, four individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/Aids share and reflect on their own experiences.
Photography: Luxxxer
Gaydio and Gorgeous FM presenter Nick Charles puts the needle on how he overcame body dysmorphia and learned to love himself (with a little help from Lizzo, no less).
Nick Charles (Photography: Francisco Gomez de Villaboa)
Punk rocker and trans pioneer Jayne County turns up the volume in her updated autobiography, Man Enough to Be a Woman.
Jane Country with RuPaul Charles (Image from the personal collection of Jane Country)
Composer, jazz pianist, conductor and music writer Raymond Yiu shares some valuable life lessons.
Raymond Yiu (Photography: Byron Hamzah)
Acclaimed author Paul Mendez pens a searing first-person piece describing how he stepped away from his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing to embrace his identity.
Paul Mendez (Photography: Luxxxer)
One of the best-known performers on east London’s queer scene, ShayShay, is this month’s Big In a Wig.
ShayShay
Rwanda stands out as an East African country that hasn’t criminalised homosexuality. But is it actually LGBT-friendly? We head out on a stunning expedition to find out…
Photography: Jurriaan Teulings
Whether you’re moist from the rain or dripping with sweat in the heat, we bring you the best fashion to quench your summer thirst.
Brian Whittaker wears shirt and suit by Louis Vuitton (Photography: Dean Ryan McDaid)
That’s alongside all your usual news, reviews and views, of course…
The Attitude July issue is out now.
Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £1 each, or digitally for just over 1.50 per issue.