London 2012: Tom Daley wins bronze – in pictures

After qualifying as the fourth best diver from the semi-finals, Tom Daley is hoping he can go one step better and finish in the top three in the final. But that is one hell of an ask given the standard of competition he's facing Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

In the final, Daley's first dive - a back two-and-a-half somersault two-and-half-twists with pike - plops into the pool. It's gets a predictably low score of 75.60, but the Brit complains that flash photos were taken during his effort and is granted a re-dive. His second effort is much better, carding 91.20, placing him second at the end of round one Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

His subsequent dives are pretty damn good too! Not least his forward four-and-a-half somersault, which scores him a whopping 98.05. He's third with two dives remaining … outstanding stuff Photograph: THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images

With the Chinese favourites faltering and USA's David Boudia looking good for gold, Daley must maintain his high standards … and he does with another peach of a dive - a back three-and-a-half somersault - which scores 97.20 and leaves him first overall … he's now one dive away from an Olympic medal ... he opts for a lower tariff and nails it to win bronze! Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

Daley is catapulted into the pool by the delirious British diving team Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Ecstasy for Daley just a week after the disappointment of finishing fourth in the 10m synchronised event with Peter Waterfield Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

After receiving his medal, Daley told the media: "It's been the toughest year of my life. Olympic bronze medal - I can't believe it!" Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

EARLIER IN THE DAY .... Tom Daley was competing for a spot in the men's 10m platform diving final. But there were 17 other men intent on that goal and only 12 could make it through
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Daley had almost bombed in the preliminaries, qualifying only 14th, but he looked more composed in the semis
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Daley completed a series of complex dives with great precision and consistency
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Chinese diver Lin Yue was a blur as he prepared to enter the water during his final dive. He finished second in the semis
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The reigning Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham was struggling for form
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Qiu Bo of China was the out and out favourite. He may have had a strapped left foot, but that didn't hinder his performance one bit. Unsurprisingly, he was the top qualifier from the semis
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Sascha Klein of Germany rotates through his descent Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian/ -

Each of Daley's six dives scored higher than 80 marks
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

... placing him fourth
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

And with the likes of Mitcham failing to qualify for the final, Daley's outside hopes of a medal were boosted.
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian