'Exceptional' Aussie Olympic diver Melissa Wu announces retirement
Two-time Australian Olympic diving medallist Melissa Wu has announced her retirement from the sport.
Wu admitted she knew she'd contested her final Olympic campaign at Paris 2024, but the 32-year-old didn't announce her retirement until Wednesday at the New South Wales Institute of Sport.
Wu became the first Australian diver to compete at five Olympic Games in Paris, where she finished 11th in the 10m platform.
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At the age of just 16, the Penrith product became the youngest Australian diver to win an Olympic medal when she collected silver in the synchronised 10m platform alongside Briony Cole at Beijing 2008.
Wu also won bronze in the 10m platform at Tokyo 2020.
"When I started out at 13, I could never have imagined my career would last this long," Wu said.
Melissa Wu of Australia contesting the Paris Olympics. Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Im
"I've been so lucky to have a long career, and even though I dealt with a lot of injuries I went to five consecutive Olympics. You can't ask for anything better than that.
"I'm fortunate because while I'm retiring, I feel as though I didn't leave any stone unturned. It's a great way to walk away."
Wu also won five Commonwealth Games medals, including three golds and two silvers.
She carried the Australian flag at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after clinching gold in the synchronised 10m platform with Charli Petrov.
"I'm proud of everything I've achieved," Wu said.
"As an athlete I hope my performances continue to inspire the next generation of all athletes, not just divers. I'd like to think my career shows athletes you can have longevity, and that you can do it at any age. I always wanted to keep giving back — and I still do."
Melissa Wu (left) and Briony Cole celebrate winning gold in the synchronised 10m platform at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Getty
Matthew Mitcham, the Australian diving great who won gold at Beijing 2008, said Wu was a "champion", an "exceptional diver" and an "unprecedented talent from the very beginning".
"I'm in total awe of [Melissa]," Mitcham said.
"This retirement is very well deserved, so I hope [Melissa enjoys it]. I'm just so, so proud."
Wu's coach, Chava Sobrino, lauded her impact on emerging talent, including 18-year-old rising star Ellie Cole.
"The pool feels empty without Mel in it," Sobrino said.
"Having Mel on the team was like having an extra coach. The influence she's had on the younger divers is immeasurable. She was generous in sharing her lessons and experiences."
