By Rebecca Lewis @RebeccaSLewis

OLYMPIC diver Tom Daley has been spotted making a splash at an American theme park

Scroll down for the full story


201816

Head first: Tom is used to being in the air thanks to his medal-winning diving skills

The bronze medallist took time out of his grueling schedule to belatedly celebrate his 21st birthday with a host of friends and long-term boyfriend, Dustin Lance Black.

Birthday celebrations: Tom and his pals put on a spirited display on the rides
Solid execution: Olympic diver and his friend Sophie Lee take on a wild ride
Ten points! The pair made a big splash at the theme park

The spirited party laughed their way through the Busch Gardens Tampa theme park in sunny Florida.

Tom clearly has a head for heights as he swapped his diving board for the 335ft high Falcon’s Fury – the world’s first face-down drop tower ride.

Making friends: Tom and his gang braved the roller coasters and safari park

With his focus on the 2015 Aquatic World Championships in Kazan, Russia, last week, Tom was in desperate need of a well-earned break.

Sporting his well-known smile, Tom and his cousin Samuel Daley, friend Sophie Lee and Australian Olympic diver Rachel Bugg, 26, rode first row of roller coasters like the SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt, a ride inspired by the park’s big cat exhibit. 

Feeling nervous? The group looked calm before the ride commenced

One photo shows his friends comically sporting masks with his face on them while he fearlessly rides with both hands in the air. 

Reflecting on the day, Tom said: "I'm in Florida on holiday for some down time with my friends, after the World Championships and to properly celebrate my 21st birthday. 

“It's been a pretty hectic year for me so it's nice to be able to spend some time having fun with my friends. 

“The rollercoasters at Busch Gardens today were amazing, it was hilarious to see everyone’s reactions when they tried Falcon's Fury for the first time!”

Big smiles: Tom and his beau Dustin Lance Black looked happy to be next to each other

After enjoying a round of bacon pretzels, the group also toured the Serengeti Safari where they got up close and personal with giraffe - snapping selfies and hand feeding the giant animal. 

Tom looked happy to be off work for the day
Looking good: The boys wore matching outfits for their day out

The group kept cool in the hot Florida sun by constantly applying sunscreen and riding the Stanley Falls Flume - a ride that ends with a drenching 40ft drop. 

Get me out of here! The Olympic diver was the only reveller to have a smile on his face
The group were in high spirits during the fun-filled trip

The diver won two medals at the Championships in Kazan last week – including his first individual World Championship medal since 2009. 

His impressive performance will put him in good stead for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The Olympic diver enjoyed the day out with his boyfriend Dustin and friends

Busch Gardens, which is known for its gravity-defying rollercoasters and rides, is the perfect holiday destination for the thrill-seeking diver to unwind at the end of the 2015 season.