Australian diving great Melissa Wu retires after decorated Olympic Games career

Five-time Olympian Melissa Wu has announced her retirement, expressing satisfaction with her decision to end her illustrious career. She stated that she had given it her all and now is the best time to step away from the sport she loves.

Wu made her Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at just 16 years old, winning a silver medal in the women's synchronized 10m platform with Briony Cole. Thirteen years later, she secured a bronze medal in the women's 10m platform individual event at the Tokyo Olympics, further solidifying her prowess.

Wu first came into the media spotlight at the young age of 13 when she was selected to compete at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, winning a silver medal in the women's synchronized 10m platform with Alex Croak. "When I started when I was 13, I never thought that my career would last this long," Wu said in a statement, reflecting on her early start.

"I've been very fortunate to have such a long career, and to have gone to five Olympics in a row, despite having a lot of injuries along the way," Wu said. "You can't ask for much better than that. I feel very fortunate that when I retire, I feel like I'm leaving with no regrets, and that's a good way to go."

Wu concluded her Olympic career at last year's Paris Olympics, finishing 11th in the women's 10m platform individual event. She became the first Australian diver to compete in five Olympic Games, reaching the finals each time. "Going into previous Olympics, I never really thought about retiring, but I realised Paris would be my last," Wu stated.

Wu added, "When I got to Paris, I was in a state of less pressure – well, a little less pressure – which allowed me to enjoy it all. That year was tough in terms of qualifying, there were some serious injuries, and knowing how difficult it was to get to the Paris Olympics made me decide that I had to cherish it."

In addition to her Olympic achievements, Wu has also won three medals at the World Championships (two silver and one bronze). She is also a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist. These accomplishments collectively define her remarkable career.