Olympic Champion Tom Dean Competes on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

Tom Dean, a three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, has joined the cast of ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘ this year, bringing his competitive spirit to the dance floor. The 24-year-old athlete competed in the hit BBC show with professional dance partner Nadiya Bychkova, earning 23 points for their debut tango performance. Dean, renowned for his achievements in the 200m freestyle and the 4x200m freestyle relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2024 European Championships in Paris, is stepping outside his comfort zone by taking on this new challenge.

Dean’s journey on the show is closely followed by his family, especially his mother, Jacquie Hughes. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, Hughes has made it clear that Dean’s Olympic success does not exempt him from his family duties. “Even after Tokyo, he didn’t get out of anything because he had two golds,” she remarked. Hughes emphasized the importance of balance in Dean’s life, which includes sharing household chores with his four siblings.

The Olympian, who hails from Maidenhead, Berkshire, and has a keen interest in swimming from an early age, cites Michael Phelps as an influential role model. Dean recently shared insights into his training regimen and the significance of rest with students at Sir William Ramsay School in Buckinghamshire, stressing that sleep is as crucial as training and nutrition for peak performance.

Despite not leading the scoreboard in the first week, Dean’s dance skills have impressed many viewers. Fans took to social media to express their support, with comments highlighting his potential and surprising adaptability. Some viewers were particularly struck by his ability to overcome the typical rigidity seen in athlete contestants.

Outside of the show, Dean resides in Maidenhead, where he finds comfort in his modest home. His personal space reflects his humble lifestyle, featuring a cozy kitchen and living room, decorated with items that emphasize both practicality and sentiment.