Olympic Champion Matty Lee Retires From Diving After Stellar Profession
Olympic champion Matty Lee has retired from diving after a occupation that has noticed him step directly to each and every primary world podium.
The spotlight got here on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when he and Tom Daley dived to gold within the males’s synchro because the Nice Britain pair completed a dramatic 1.2 issues transparent of China’s Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen.
Lee and Daley received Eu and Global Aquatics Diving Global Cup gold in combination in the similar match within the months main as much as Tokyo – in addition to Global Championship bronze in 2019 – earlier than Matty teamed up with Noah Williams within the following two years to succeed in extra world good fortune.
In combination, Lee and Williams received international silver at Budapest 2022 and had been topped Commonwealth champions weeks later in Birmingham the place Lee additionally claimed bronze within the 10m platform.
Tom Daley,Jane Figueiredo and Matty Lee. Photograph Courtesy: British Swimming
Lee – who skilled on the Aquatics GB Efficiency Centre London – made his Global Championship debut elderly 17 at Kazan 2015, weeks after successful the 10m platform name on the Eu Video games.
He received combined 10m synchro silver along Lois Toulson on the 2017 worlds with the pair becoming a member of forces for any other 2d position on the 2018 Eu Championships in Glasgow.
Having passed through surgical treatment on his backbone in early 2024, the 26-year-old has now determined to transport directly to the following degree of his occupation.
He showed his retirement on social media, pronouncing: “After twenty years within the game, it’s time for me to step clear of diving. This resolution hasn’t been simple, however after dropping my dad in 2022, I struggled to search out the similar interest I as soon as had, he was once my why. Then got here accidents, surgical procedures, and the belief that I don’t need to be a damaged guy shifting ahead.
“Diving has given me the sector, actually. The folk I’ve met, the puts I’ve travelled, the reminiscences I’ve made. That’s what I’ll cherish essentially the most. To my implausible circle of relatives. Dad, my greatest fan, I am hoping I made you proud. Tom, my brother, my inspiration. Mum, for at all times being there, throughout the highs and lows, the early mornings, the lengthy drives, the never-ending improve. To my workforce. Jane, who formed me right into a champion. Gareth, who saved me shifting when it mattered maximum. Brit, who made me consider in my very own energy. And naturally, to my synchro spouse Tom Daley, what a adventure, what a second we shared. Olympic Champions perpetually.
“To each and every trainer and group of workers member who performed a task in my occupation, thanks. From the primary trainer who sparked my love for diving to the remaining who guided me thru my ultimate bankruptcy, the entirety I’ve accomplished is on account of you. Your improve, wisdom, and willpower by no means went ignored. To my closest buddies. You by no means pulled me clear of my game, you lifted me up thru it. Your improve, laughter, and trust in me supposed greater than you’ll ever know.
“To my lovers and fans, thanks to your unwavering improve, thru each and every dive, each and every problem, each and every triumph. You made this adventure much more particular. And in spite of everything to the doubters, thanks too. You saved me hungry. You made me push more difficult. And after all, I proved to myself that I may reach greater than I ever imagined.
“What’s next? Honestly, I don’t know. And that’s both terrifying and exciting. But I do know this, there’s more to life than diving, and I’m ready for it.”
