Tom Daley’s Queer Knitted Speedos: Game of Wool and the New Art of LGBTQ+ Craft

If you ever doubted that knitting could be a radical act, Tom Daley is here to prove you wrong—and he’s doing so in nothing but self-knitted speedos. The Olympic gold medalist, global LGBTQ+ icon, and proud husband and dad has traded his diving board for a pair of needles, launching Channel 4’s Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter with a cheeky photo in his own yarn-crafted swimwear .

This isn’t just a publicity stunt. Daley’s knitted trunks are a playful reminder that queer creativity refuses to be boxed in, and that self-expression—whether in fashion, craft, or identity—deserves center stage. When Daley first went viral at the Tokyo Olympics for knitting poolside, it was more than a meme: it was a declaration that LGBTQ+ people can be champions, artists, and trendsetters, all while challenging outdated norms .

Game of Wool isn’t your grandma’s knitting circle. Set against the lush backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the show gathers ten diverse contestants—including a fashion designer, a cruise ship singer, and a charity director—for a series of creative challenges designed to push the boundaries of contemporary knitting . Each week, they tackle everything from Fair Isle tank tops to swimwear, dog coats, and flamboyant 80s-inspired jumpers. The judging panel—led by Daley himself and joined by acclaimed designers Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell—brings a sharp eye for innovation and inclusivity, with guest celebrity judges adding extra glam to the proceedings.

What makes Game of Wool resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences isn’t just the cozy aesthetics or campy challenges, but the show’s ethos: creativity as liberation. “How can you be stressed when you’re crocheting and knitting? They relieve stress… right? ” Daley quips, a nod to the therapeutic power of craft in a world that too often asks queer people to hide their individuality .

Contestants are encouraged to infuse their designs with personal stories—whether Lydia’s Ghanaian-inspired tank top or Holger’s emotional support chicken motif—reminding viewers that every stitch can be an act of self-love and remembrance. One judge, Di Gilpin, was moved to tears over a beautifully made dog coat, saying, “It’s beautifully made and I always cry when I see something beautiful! ” . For LGBTQ+ viewers, these moments echo the power of chosen family, resilience, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

Daley’s self-knitted speedos are more than just a viral moment—they’re a sartorial statement. Queer culture has always been about transforming the mundane into the fabulous, and Daley’s trunks are a cheeky challenge to rigid notions of masculinity. By choosing to model his own handiwork, Daley subverts the stereotype of the athlete as purely physical, embracing softness, vulnerability, and creativity as core strengths.

At a time when LGBTQ+ visibility in sports is still fraught, Daley’s open embrace of his passions—whether parenting, knitting, or activism—feels radical and necessary. The knitted speedos aren’t just swimwear; they’re armor. And for queer youth watching at home, seeing an Olympic champion weaving together pride, artistry, and authenticity is a powerful lesson in self-acceptance .

Game of Wool is part of a broader crafting renaissance—one that’s unapologetically queer. Social media, from Instagram reels to TikTok tutorials, is teeming with LGBTQ+ makers who are redefining what it means to create, share, and celebrate their identities. Channel 4’s promotional reels feature Daley leading ten top knitters into the Scottish wilds, a new generation of craftstars ready to take the world by storm .

The show’s challenges—from crochet deck chairs to mohair jumpers—are more than technical feats; they’re invitations to viewers to join the movement. Knit-alongs and crochet-alongs have sprung up across the UK, with fans from all backgrounds casting on their own creations in solidarity . For many LGBTQ+ viewers, crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a way to claim space, build community, and celebrate heritage.

The success of Game of Wool and Daley’s knitted speedos is a testament to the growing appetite for media that centers queer joy, artistry, and resilience. In a world where LGBTQ+ stories are too often filtered through struggle, Daley’s project is a breath of fresh air: playful, affirming, and deeply meaningful. As the series continues to air , expect more dazzling designs, emotional moments, and reminders that queer visibility is always worth celebrating .

So whether you’re knitting along at home, cheering for your favorite contestant, or simply reveling in Daley’s fearless self-expression, remember: every stitch is a small act of pride.

Tom Daley’s Game of Wool isn’t just about finding Britain’s best knitter. It’s about celebrating the creativity and courage at the heart of LGBTQ+ life—one speedo, one stitch, one story at a time. In a world hungry for authenticity, Daley and his cast of makers are weaving a brighter, more inclusive future.