 Daley has already won Young Sports Personality of the Year three times
Diving star Tom Daley has been named Young Sports Personality of the Year award for an unprecedented third time after his previous wins in 2007 and 2009. Despite an injury-hit season, the 16-year-old became the second youngest double Commonwealth Champion ever this year, winning the 10m individual competition and 10m synchro. Here are his answers to the questions posed by the School Reporters from St John Wall Catholic School in Handsworth, Birmingham.
Q: What inspired you to start your sport? It started when my parents took me to the pool when I was six to learn to swim. I saw the boards and really wanted to have a go, so dad took me to a few lessons and it all rolled from there. I went into my first competition just before my ninth birthday where I got talent spotted. I competed in my first senior international when I was 12 in Canada, won the European Championships when I was 13 and qualified for the Olympic Games when I was 14. At 15 I won the World Championships and my most recent medals were the double golds at the Commonwealth Games. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time? I would love to think that I could compete in up to five Olympic Games. 2012 will be my second attempt and I'd like to do three more after that. After I finish my career in sport I'd love to do work as a TV presenter and Blue Peter would be my dream! Q: Who is your role model and why? My role model in diving is Alexandre Despatie because he is the youngest ever Commonwealth Games champion in diving.  Spot the difference - Tom and James Corden prepare to dive |
Q: Apart from your own success, what has been your favourite sporting moment of the year? My favourite sporting moment of the year was when James Corden did his Sport Relief sketch. It was a very funny moment for sport and raised a lot of money for a great cause! Q: What kind of sacrifices have you had to make to get to where you are? My schedule is pretty hectic each day as I have to juggle school, training and homework. Most days consist of school, training, school, homework, more training, more homework and bed! So it doesn't leave much time for anything else but I do get to enjoy the weekends which is great! Q: What is your best memory from your time playing your sport? My best memory would be the moment I saw the scores revealed after my last dive in the World Championships in Rome and realising that I had won. Q: Who would you pick to compete against if you could choose anyone who has ever played your sport? It's not quite my sport but I would love to compete against Daley Thompson because we have the same name and he is an Olympic legend! Q: Who are your best friends and/or main rivals in your sport? My best friends in sport are Brooke Graddon and Tonia Couch and my main rivals are the Chinese divers and Matthew Mitcham. Q: What do you do to unwind and relax away from sport? I like to hang out with my friends, either have them over to my house for dinner, to watch X-Factor or go to the cinema. I do love jet skiing though and it's awesome riding over to Cornwall when it's sunny! Q: What is your favourite song of 2010? Hmmm... that's a hard one! I would say it would have to be DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love Again by Usher.
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