Tom Daley has revealed that he 'collected baby clothes for years' before the birth of his son and admits he was shocked and hurt by negativity surrounding his decision to use a surrogate.
The Olympic diver, 26, is currently based at his central London flat with his US screenwriter husband Dustin Lance Black, 45, cricketnfootballcenter.mystrikingly.com and their toddler son Robbie, along with Tom's mother, amid the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking to, the athlete reflected on fatherhood ahead of his son's second birthday on 27th June.
Tom and Dustin - who tied the knot in May 2017 at Bovey Castle in Devon, following two years of dating - welcomed their son via an American surrogate, but faced backlash from critics over their decision.
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black welcomed their son Robert in 2018 via a surrogate (pictured, the toddler cuddling up with the Olympic diver)
Dustin is known for his 2008 biographical film 'Milk' and struck up a romantic relationship with the diver in 2013 after meeting at a party. The pair are pictured celebrating Tom's birthday
'It was a shock at the beginning, the negativity,' Tom explained. 'I've always desperately wanted children. I've been collecting baby clothes for years.
'I didn't understand why people would mind so much if Lance and I decided to have a child of our own. We'd probably thought about it more than many couples.'
Adding that he was hurt by the reaction, he said that when they're out in public together, people 'just see a family', and that the public are much more 'accepting' than critics on social media.
'I don't notice any heckling. I don't even think about being two dads now. It feels very normal. Like any other couple we just want to be the best parents.'
He continued that while Robbie isn't being brought up gender-neutral, the parents are trying not to stereotype his childhood.
Diver Tom has won medals at every level of the sport, including gold at three World Championships and bronze at both the London and Rio Olympics and has scattered Union Jack's all over his home. He is pictured with son Robbie Ray
Tom, who currently can't train for the next Olympics because of the closure of swimming pools, explained that they dress him in any colour and let him choose whatever toys he likes.
Last month, Tom's husband Dustin shared a glimpse into the stylish South London home that they share.
The pair moved into the converted hop-processing plant in 2017 and architects added an extra floor to the apartment, creating a triplex from a duplex with attic.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Dustin offered a look at a stylishly decorated nook featuring plenty of family photos and Union Jack memorabilia favoured by Olympic diver Tom.
