Two-time Olympian Sarah Barrow admits she feels privileged to have forged a career in diving after announcing her retirement from the sport.
Barrow finished fifth alongside Tonia Couch in the 10m synchro event at the London 2012 Olympic Games before again competing for Team GB in the 10m platform at Rio 2016 last month.
The 27-year-old also became the first British woman since 1927 to clinch an individual European title when she won 10m platform gold in Berlin in 2014.
That was her second European title – following 10m synchro gold two years prior – and with Rio being her final event, the Plymouth diver was content to go out on her own terms.
“Diving has had a huge impact on my life and I am so glad to have been able to finish how I wanted,” tweeted Barrow.
“I have been lucky enough to do something for 15 years that I absolutely loved. I have made incredible friends and been to a lot of amazing places.
“There are so many people who have helped me, given me advice, picked me up when things were tough and congratulated me when I did well. Thank you so much.”
Barrow won Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow in 2014 and her fourth place in the 10m platform at the 2013 World Championships was the best performance by a British woman in the event’s history.
She will now search for something else to fill the void left by diving but reserved particular thanks for one man who helped her throughout her career.
“Andy Banks is one of the most incredible coaches – thank you for everything you have done and to my family for the best support,” she added.
“As for the future, I'm looking forward to finding something I'm just as passionate about.”
Sportsbeat 2016