SOUTHAMPTON Olympic hopeful Peter Waterfield has paid tribute to his diving partner’s dad who has died from brain cancer.
Rob Daley, father to 17-year-old diving sensation Tom, lost his battle against illness on Friday aged just 40.
Peter, who is Tom’s synchro diving partner, said: “He was a really proud dad and really supportive of Tom and of his achievements.
“We all need people behind us, I didn’t get to where I got to – my dad supported me a lot in my career at the beginning.
“He was a bubbly kind of guy, always trying a joke. From what I know of him he was a really funny guy, a good guy to be around.”
Mr Daley, who has always supported his son’s career following him round the world, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006.
He attended all of Tom's events until last year's Commonwealth Games when he was forced to remain at home after a tumour returned.
However, he was there to watch Pete and Tom claim their first gold medal together in the World Series in Sheffield last month.
Pete added: “He saw Tom become world champion and Commonwealth champion so he saw him achieve some pretty big stuff, so it’s a shame. 2012’s coming up and he’s not going to see that.
“I’m sure he’ll be looking down on Tom and still be right behind him.
“He’ll [Tom] always want to make his dad proud and being in London it will definitely spur him on for it.”
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