OLYMPIC champion Matty Lee has retired from diving because he “doesn’t want to be a broken man” anymore.
Lee, 26, won the 10-metre synchro title with teammate Tom Daley at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and also claimed medals at world, European and Commonwealth level.
Olympic champion and Tom Daley’s former teammate Matty Lee has retired[/caption]
Lee retired from diving because he “doesn’t want to be a broken man” anymore[/caption]
Yet in March 2024, he underwent spinal surgery – which ruled him out of the Paris Games in the summer – to solve “chronic pain”.
Since then Daley, 30, has retired from the sport and their shared coach Jane Figueiredo has left the British Aquatics system.
The Yorkshireman had tried to supplement his diving income by selling pictures on adult website OnlyFans.
Writing on Instagram, Lee said: “After 20 years in the sport, it’s time for me to step away from diving.
“This decision hasn’t been easy but after losing my dad in 2022, I struggled to find the same passion I once had. He was my ‘why’.
“Then came injuries, surgeries and the realisation that I don’t want to be a broken man moving forward.
“Diving has given me the world, literally. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve traveled, the memories I’ve made. That’s what I’ll cherish the most.
“To my incredible family. Dad, my biggest fan, I hope I made you proud. Tom, my brother, my inspiration.
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“Mum, for always being there, through the highs and lows, the early mornings, the long drives, the endless support.
“To my team. Jane, who shaped me into a champion. Gareth, who kept me moving when it mattered 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 we shared. Olympic champions forever.
“To every coach and staff member who played a role in my career. Thank you.
“From the first coach who sparked my love for diving to the last who guided me through my final chapter, everything I’ve achieved is because of you.
“Your support, knowledge, and dedication never went unnoticed.
“To my closest friends. You never pulled me away from my sport, you lifted me up through it.
“Your support, laughter and belief in me meant more than you’ll ever know.
“To my fans and followers, thank you for your unwavering support, through every dive, every challenge, every triumph. You made this journey even more special.
“And finally to the doubters. Thank you, too. You kept me hungry. You made me push harder. And in the end, I proved to myself that I could achieve more 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.”
