MATTHEW MITCHAM CALLS IT A DAY Arguably Australia’s greatest ever diver, Olympic Gold Medalist Matthew Mitcham, has today announced he is retiring from the sport. 27-year-old Matthew said the time is right to hang up the togs. “I’ve had a really good run, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to do what I love for as long as I have,” he said. “I have achieved everything I hoped for, including the big three – Olympic Gold in 2008, World Number One in 2010, and Commonwealth Gold in 2014 – which could never have happened without all the help I’ve had along the way. “Above all, nothing has made me prouder than being able to represent my Country and my Community at the highest level of sport. The support from the public has been overwhelming, and I’m extremely grateful for that, too.” Diving Australia Chairman and two time Olympian, Michael Murphy, said Mitcham’s decision brings the curtain down on a highly successful and always entertaining career. “There’s no doubt Matthew could be regarded as our most successful diver ever,” Mr Murphy said. “He has had his fair share of ups and downs, but he has been a wonderful ambassador for our sport and an inspiration for so many athletes in general, not just divers. His gold-medal performance as a 20-year-old in Beijing, beating the highly rated Chinese divers in their own pool, is rightly considered one of Australia’s great Olympic moments.” Mr Murphy said while Mitcham’s presence will be missed on the Road in Rio, he fully understands and accepts his decision. And Diving Australia is already in talks to utilise Mitcham’s knowledge and expertise in the future, a role Mitcham has indicated he is keen to take on. “I’m making this decision because I feel I’m at a turning point in what I hope is a long and colourful career in media and entertainment,” Mitcham said. “I have no doubt that Grant Nel, James Connor and Domonic Bedggood, along with our girls, will do Australia proud at the Rio Olympic Games this year. “I look forward to still being involved in sport in one way or another, but I can’t wait to dive into this next chapter.” Diving Australia CEO David Bell said Diving Australia would welcome Mitcham’s continued involvement with the sport with open arms.

“I’m happy to say Matthew has already indicated that he would love to stay involved with diving, which is brilliant news not just for diving in Australia, but also internationally. “And Matthew has already shown that no matter what his passion or project, he always gives 100 per cent.” Those sentiments were echoed by his long term coach, Chava Sobrino, NSWIS Head Coach and Diving Australia National Coach. “Matthew has been such a character to have at training and he will be missed absolutely. He has been a great part of our training squad here at NSWIS for a long time and whilst it will be sad for me not to have his infectious personality around, I know he will be hugely successful and wish him all the best.” Matthew Mitcham came to diving in 1999 after a successful career as a trampolinist, and immediately began winning national titles. He missed selection for the 2004 Olympics, but then competed for Australia as an 18-year-old at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, where his best performances were fourth placings in the 3-metre individual and synchro events. Mitcham became a household name in Australia when his final competition dive in Beijing attracted the highest individual score in Olympic diving history (and is still to this day), earning him the Gold Medal and denying the Chinese a clean sweep of the Olympic medals. He was the first Australian male to win an Olympic diving Gold medal since Dick Eve in 1924. After six silver medals at Commonwealth Games level, Mitcham finally snared an elusive Commonwealth Games Gold medal when he paired with Domonic Bedggood to win the men’s platform synchro final at the 2014 Glasgow Games. Mitcham was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 June 2009. Tributes to Matthew’s outstanding career “Matthew came up through the Australian Youth Olympic Festival where he beat the best young divers from China and we knew then he had the talent to be an Olympic champion. He was lost to the sport for a time but came back to take the gold medal with that perfect final dive in Beijing. Matthew was extremely popular, he was a great Team man, and we congratulate him on an outstanding career.”

- John Coates, President of the Australian Olympic Committee. “Matthew can be justifiably proud of his achievements in Diving. He was an important contributor to the success of our Teams for Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014. A highlight of his Commonwealth Games appearances was his Gold Medal performance in the 10m synchronised event with Domonic Bedggood in Glasgow. The Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) wishes Matthew every success with his future endeavours.

- Craig Phillips, CEO of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. “Matthew’s story in diving is truly inspirational and one that the NSWIS is extremely proud to have supported. I remember Matthew becoming an NSWIS scholarship holder in 2007, and just over one year later he was an Olympic champion after one of the most memorable moments ever seen at the Olympic Games.” “Matthew’s heroic dive in Beijing and the subsequent success at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games is testament to his talent and dedication as an athlete, as well as the efforts of his support team at the NSWIS.” “On behalf of the Institute I’d like to congratulate Matthew on his fantastic career and wish him well for his future endeavours.”

- Charles Turner, CEO of the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS). The Australian Institute of Sport wishes Matthew Mitcham well in his retirement after a long and successful medal-winning career on the highest international stage. Matthew leaves a legacy within the AIS and Australian Diving demonstrating talent, combined with the right support, can achieve at the highest level. - Matt Favier, AIS Director

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Career Highlights Olympic Games – competed in both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Gold Medal in 10 metre Platform with a score of 537.95, including a final dive score of 112.10 to leapfrog into 1st. 112.10 remains the highest individual dive score in Olympic history. Commonwealth Games – competed in Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014. 1 Gold Medal and 6 Silver Medals. The Gold Medal came in 10 metre Platform Synchronised with Domonic Bedggood. World Cup and World Championships – competed in Multiple World Cup and World Championship events 1 Gold Medal and 1 Bronze Medal. The Gold Medal was in the 2010 World Cup in the 10 metre Platform.