The first-ever South African diver to compete at three Olympic Games and reach finals at the Paris Olympics reflects on her diving career.
Julia Vincent, a history-maker for South Africa, has officially announced her retirement from diving.
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, the Johannesburg-South Africa native emphasized ending her career on a positive note at Paris 2024 Olympic Games. " It felt really good to end on a high. Despite the challenges and fatigue, I was able to maintain a joyful and loving attitude towards the sport, and that is something I am truly proud of. "
As she transitions into closing her diving career, the 30-year-old shifts her focus towards contributing to the growth of diving in South Africa and giving back to the community that supported her throughout her career.
"I am exploring various ways to stay involved in diving. I am excited about the prospect of running clinics and workshops to nurture the next generation of divers in South Africa," Vincent emphasized
The three-time Olympian also plans to pursue opportunities aligned with her degree in public health, aiming to combine her degree with her sports passion. "I am excited about the possibility of working on mentorship programs and initiatives that support athletes from less developed countries," Vincent shared.
The Paris 2024 3m springboard Olympic finalist hopes to be remembered not only for diving achievements but also for her kindness and dedication to helping others, saying, "I hope people remember me for my positive energy and the love I tried to share with everyone around me."