Olympian Hannah Starling has announced that she is retiring from diving after a career that has spanned over a decade.
In her career, Starling has competed at all levels of international competition but the pinnacle was standing on the boards at the London 2012 Olympic Games in front of the home crowd.
Last year, Starling won bronze in the 3m Springboard at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
After a career that has seen her at the top level of diving, she has decided that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter of her life
“I would like to thank everyone for supporting me throughout my career,” Starling said. “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.
“I still struggle to accurately describe the feeling. I shall not 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.”
Starling’s coach Edwin Jongejans commented: “Hannah has been a pleasure to work with over the years. She has always been super motivated to learn new skills and improve the ones she already had.
“One of my highlights of working with her was the London Olympics where she soaked up the support given by the 17000 spectators in the pool and it showed in every one of her dives. She has always been very supportive of the younger divers in the programme and was never too busy to give support or advice or be a sympathetic ear.
“It’s time for Hannah to put her time and energy into something else. I wish her the very best and know she’ll be successful and find enjoyment in whatever she puts her mind to.”