Has Olympic hopeful Tom Daley found himself a diving 'belle'?

By Rebecca Camber

Last updated at 9:57 PM on 30th July 2008

As a member of the Olympic team, he has more serious goals than your average 14-year-old.

But Tom Daley still has time to make a few schoolboy plans - such as one day, when he's older, marrying a good sport like his diving teammate Tonia Couch.

Tom has developed a firm friendship with the 19-year-old, who like him is from Plymouth.

Pictures below show the pair larking about in Beijing yesterday, letting off a little steam before the 2008 Games start next week.

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Jokers: Tom Daly, 14, and his new friend Tonia Couch, 19, share a joke poolside

Jokers: Tom Daly, 14, and his new friend Tonia Couch, 19, share a laugh poolside

And on his Facebook webpage he has posted a photo of them pouting in their Olympic kit.
On his Bebo webpage, Tom describes Miss Couch as one of his best friends.
He says of her and some other girls: 'Never want to lose you, your (sic) a bunch of lovely girls, and soo funny, if I could I would marry one of you.
'They are always there for me when i am feeling sad and they always make me laugh !! They are legends !! Love you girls !!!'
The Olympic diving team is settling in at the Chinese National Aquatic Centre, known as the Water Cube.

Kitted out: The pair show off their uniforms

Tom will be 14 years and 81 days old when he dives off the 10metre platform into the pool at the Games, making him the second youngest British Olympian.
One of our top hopes for a medal, he became the European champion in the 10metre platform event in Eindhoven in March.
Even if he doesn't win a medal this time, Tom has his eye firmly set on Gold at the 2012 Olympics.
On his Bebo webpage, the youngster, said: 'My ultimate goal in life is to win an Olympic Gold Medal In the men's 10m Platform event In the London 2012 Olympic Games !!'
Miss Couch - nicknamed Tonnikins - finished in the top ten in the 2007 World Championships and won bronze in the European Champions Cup 2006.
On her Bebo webpage, she has posted photos of herself in a short red flapper costume for a birthday party, and said she is happiest when with her boyfriend Chad, who is 'the best thing in the world'.