Olympic champion Matty Lee retired because he “doesn’t want to be a broken man anymore”.
Lee, 26, won the 10-meter synchro title with teammate Tom Daley at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and also claimed medals at the world, European and Commonwealth level.
Olympic champion and former teammate Matty Lee from Tom Daley is retired[/caption]
Lee withdrew after diving because he “doesn’t want to be a broken man anymore”[/caption]
But in March 2024 he underwent the spine surgery – which ruled him out of the Paris games in the summer – to resolve “chronic pain”.
Since then, Daley, 30, has withdrawn from the sport and their shared coach Jane Figueiredo has left the British aquatica system.
The Yorkshireman had tried to supplement his diving income by selling photos on only adult website.
Lee wrote on Instagram: “After 20 years in sport it is time for me to get away from diving.
“This decision was not easy, but after losing my father in 2022, I had trouble finding the same passion I once had. He was my ‘why’.
“Then came injuries, operations and the realization that I don’t want to be a broken man who is making progress.
“Diving literally gave me the world. The people I met, the places I have traveled, the memories I made. That is what I will cherish the most.
“To my incredible family. Dad, my biggest fan, I hope I made you proud. Tom, my brother, my inspiration.
“Mama, because they are always there, because of the highlights and lows, the early mornings, the long drives, the endless support.
“To my team. Jane, who has shaped me into a champion. Gareth, who kept me moving when it mattered the most. Brit, who made me believe in my own strength.
“And of course, to my synchro partner Tom Daley. What a journey, what a moment that we shared. Olympic champions forever.
“To every coach and employee who played a role in my career. Thank you.
“The first coach who led my love for diving to the last led me through my last chapter, everything I have achieved is because of you.
“Your support, knowledge and dedication has never gone unnoticed.
‘To my best friends. You never got me from my sport, you have lifted me through it.
“Your support, laughter and belief in me meant more than you ever would know.
“To my fans and followers, thank you for your relentless support, through every dive, every challenge, every triumph. You have made this trip even more special.
“And ultimately to the doubters. Thank you too. You kept me hungry. You let me push me harder. And in the end I proved myself that I could achieve more than I had ever thought.
‘What is the following? To be honest, I don’t know. And that is both frightening and exciting. But I know this. There is more to life than diving and I am ready. “
