Daniel Goodfellow ‘disappears’ following Olympic win with Tom Daley
The 19-year-old Olympian was cut out from some coverage, leading to criticism from fans.
Not so long ago, the UK media could easily have been accused of playing down the successes of the country’s LGBT community – especially in the sporting world.
However, following Daniel Goodfellow and Tom Daley’s bronze medal win in the men’s synchronised 10m platform, it looks as if the exact opposite is taking place.
Rather than blank the nation’s current gay sweetheart, publications that have previously criticised – or completely ignored – the LGBT community are now seemingly obsessed with Mr Daley.
The Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Daily Express both led with an image of Daley alone – while Goodfellow was identified only as his “synchronised partner” in a subheading in the Times.
The snub did not go unnoticed and was remarked upon by various Twitter users – including Goodfellow’s mother, Sharon.
After seeing a preview of today’s Telegraph – shared by the BBC’s Nick Sutton – which featured only Daley, she wrote: “I am very surprised by this photo. Is it for real?”
In a reply to another user she said she’d “just done her first bit of media bashing”.
“How insensitive! I hope they sort before morning.”
Meanwhile, sports presenter Gabby Logan was critical of the Times’ singling out Daley on Twitter.
Alex Kay-Jelski – the sports editor for the Times – responded to the criticism by saying that the change had been made for second edition of the paper.
“A bit of leeway for how close to deadline we are trying to get these Olympic papers out though! #manic” he wrote.
Goodfellow himself gave no sign on social media of being upset by the front pages, tweeting that the bronze medal was a “dream come true”.
Daley – who is expected to retire and have a family following this year’s games – also shared his elation at the pair’s win.
