Olympic gold medallist Matty Lee has announced his retirement from diving, bringing an end to a career that saw the 26-year-old Leeds native claim medals at every major international competition.
The pinnacle of Lee’s career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he and Tom Daley delivered a stunning performance to secure gold in the Men's 10m Synchro event. Their victory, achieved with a dramatic 1.2-point margin over China’s Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen, remains an iconic moment in Olympic diving history.
Leading up to Tokyo, Lee and Daley enjoyed a successful partnership, winning European and World Aquatics Diving World Cup gold in the same event and World Championship bronze in 2019. Following the Olympics, Lee teamed up with Noah Williams, with whom he claimed the World Championship silver and the Commonwealth Games title in 2022. He also added an individual bronze in the Men's 10m Platform event at those same Commonwealth Games.
Lee’s career highlights also include a Mixed 10m Synchro silver alongside Lois Toulson at both the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and the 2018 European Championships, as well as a European Games title in the Men's 10m Platform in 2015. Having made his World Championship debut at just 17 years old, he established himself as a consistent force on the global stage.
After undergoing spinal surgery in early 2024, the 26-year-old has now decided to transition to the next chapter of his life. Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Lee reflected on the highs and challenges of his journey in the sport, paying tribute to those who supported him.
“After 20 years in the sport, it’s time for me to step away from diving,” he wrote. “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.”
Expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and supporters, he added: “Diving has given me the world, literally. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve travelled, and getthe memories I’ve made. That’s what I’ll cherish the most.”
Looking ahead, Lee acknowledged the uncertainty of his next steps but embraced the opportunities beyond the sport: “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.”