Tom Daley responds to coach's media comments

Daley hits back at distraction comments

British diver Tom Daley has responded to claims that media commitments are distracting him ahead of the London Olympics.

Team GB diving coach Alexei Evangulov claimed that Daley's media exposure is getting in the way of his diving, but Daley has rejected these accusations.

A statement released on Daley's behalf said: "Diving, family and school have always been the priority for Tom. This is 90% of his life. Corporate media work and friends form the remaining 10%.

"We only work with a small team of sponsors and ensure that any media is either necessary or – very occasionally – fun, given Tom's interest and studies in both photography and media.

"The comparisons with China may be relevant from a sporting perspective but are less valid from a cultural and human one."

Daley will compete in the FINA World Cup next week at the Olympic Aquatics Centre.

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