In his early career, Daley was a member of the Haywards Heath Harriers, before returning to London’s Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club in 1975, where he trained as a sprinter. Whilst being coached by Bob Mortimer, it was suggested that Daley try for a decathlon. Competing for his first decathlon in the same year, in Cwmbran, Wales, Daley took the title in his debut race. In 1977, Daley won the European Junior title, before earning his first of three Commonwealth title in 1978.
At the peak of his career, Daley won four world records, two Olympic gold medals, three Commonwealth titles, and wins in the European and World Championships. Due to his influential career, he is renowned to be one of the best decathletes of all time. For example, Robert Chalmer described Daley as "the greatest all-round athlete this country [United Kingdom] has ever produced”.
After retiring from athletics, due to a persistent hamstring injury in 1992, Daley continued to dedicate his life to sports. During the 1990s, he played professional football for Stevenage Football Club and Mansfield Town Football Club. Additionally, Daley worked as a fitness coach for Luton Town Football Club and Wimbledon Football Club. Moving to motorsports, he entered the 1994 Ford Credit Fiesta Challenge Championship.
As a representative of the Olympics, being an athletic icon himself, Daley was an ambassador at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. In this role, he focused on the benefits to education and sport in schools the Olympics would spark. In response to his influential dedication to sports, Daley was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 1982. Additionally, he was appointed an MBE in the 1983 New Year Honours, and later promoted to CBE in the 2000 New Year Honours.
Regarded as a natural showman, Daley firmly positioned himself as a fan favourite with the British public due to his charismatic and personable nature. As a speaker, Daley presents in a similar fashion. Featuring as a motivational speaker at corporate events, he explores the process of achieving physical and mental resilience.
