Youngster Daley claims Euro gold

Thirteen-year-old Tom Daley is the new European champion after winning the 10m platform title in Eindhoven in Holland.

Daley produced flawless dives in rounds four and five, each earning four marks of 10 from the judges.

His final round dive was less impressive but he had done enough to hold off Germany's Sascha Klein and Francesco Dell'Uomo, of Italy.

"It was just an absolutely amazing experience," Daley, from Plymouth, told BBC Sport.

"I missed one of my dives and to still be able to get the 10s after that and to still bring myself up to get the gold medal, I really didn't expect it."

COMMENT
"Many shook their heads and were contemplating a medal-less week for Britain's divers but Daley had not read the script "
BBC swimming commentator Bob Ballard in Eindhoven

Daley, who will become the second-youngest male Olympian in British history after qualifying for Beijing, was only sixth after three rounds.

"Normally I can do that [third] dive a lot better and because I didn't, I did get a bit worried, and knew I had to turn it around.

"To finish up and be standing on the top of the podium with your national anthem playing is not something that happens every day," he added.

Daley finished with a score of 491.95 points, ahead of Klein on 487.60pts and Dell'Uomo on 481.30.

At Beijing, he will have a chance to become Britain's youngest male medallist.

The record is held by fellow diver Brian Phelps, who was 16 years and 134 days when he won bronze in the 10m platform event in Rome.

Cecilia Colledge - born 28 November 1920 - remains the youngest British Olympian.

She was 11 years and 73 days old when she competed in the women's single skating competition at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

Tom Daley is one of the athletes BBC Sport is following as part of the Olympics Dreams series.
You can read regular behind-the-scenes updates on his progress at bbc.co.uk/olympics.

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