HQ signs 'deeply personal' memoir by Olympian Tom Daley

HQ has signed a “deeply personal and inspiring memoir” from Olympic diver Tom Daley. 

Executive publisher Lisa Milton acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Amanda Harris at YMU. The book, Coming Up for Air: What I Learned from Sport, Fame and Fatherhood, will be published in October 2021. 

In his memoir, Daley explores the moments and experiences that have shaped him, from the resilience he developed competing at world-class level, to the courage he discovered while reclaiming the narrative around his sexuality, and the perspective that family life has brought him. 

Daley said: “Coming Up for Air is quite literally how this book feels to me, reflecting on my life, love and career to date. My constantly shifting perspectives have given me a totally different outlook on what really matters most in life. Going into the Tokyo Olympics this summer, working on this book has helped me feel grateful for the highs and learn from the lows, and I can’t wait to share it with people later in the year.” 

HQ commissioning editor and editor of Coming Up for Air Zoe Berville added: “Tom is one of our country’s greatest and most-loved athletes, and Coming Up for Air offers unique and unparalleled insight into his life and mindset. In exploring the highs and lows – professionally and personally – that have shaped him, Tom shares the sense of perspective that he’s learnt along the way and encourages us to reflect on how we tackle life’s ups and downs ourselves. Warm, honest and perceptive, we could not be more thrilled to publish this very special and inspiring book.”