Tom Daley's mum hits back at British Swimming chief David Sparkes

Tom Daley's mother has hit back at criticism from British Swimming chief David Sparkes.

The criticism from Sparkes follows last year's reproach from British diving's performance director, Alexei Evangulov, who prior to the summer Games said he believed Daley was allowing media commitments to interfere with his training. The 18-year-old went on to win bronze at the Aquatics Centre, and dedicated his Olympic medal to his late father, Robert, who died after a six-year battle with brain cancer in May 2011. "My bond with my son has always been strong but Rob was Tom's rock, friend and role model," Mrs Daley added. "He would be spitting mad if he had read your media attacks on him over the past 12 months and would have given you a franker view than mine." British Swimming did not want to directly respond to Mrs Daley's comments but did say they would "continue to work with Daley's family, agent and coach in ensuring he achieves his goals and potential".