Hannah Starling admits she will enter her diving retirement full of happy memories, most notably that of London 2012.
Starling finished 13th in the 3m springboard at the Olympics three years ago before winning a bronze medal at last year’s Commonwealth Games in the same event.
The 20-year-old had spent over a decade in the sport, making her senior international debut at the European Championships as a 13-year-old, but now intends to apply for medical school following her retirement.
The Leeds-born diver suffered a shin injury last year and says that although diving is no longer her main passion, she will never forget her time off the boards.
“I would like to thank you all [the fans] for supporting me throughout my career,” explained Starling. ”You guys are one of the reasons I loved it so much.
“When I think about the crowd from London 2012, I go numb, because the cheer from those 17,500 people was the most uplifting and breathtaking thing I've ever experienced, and I still struggle to accurately describe the feeling.
“I shan't forget how much everyone has done for me: UK Sport, British Swimming, my coach, parents, friends, family and all my followers.
“I am upset that I didn't make it to Rio, but the next chapter of my life is about to begin, and I can't wait.”
© Sportsbeat 2015