Diving world reacts to Mel Wu’s retirement: ‘Not letting go of an athlete, but a … friend’

Five-time Australian Olympic diver Melissa Wu was visibly surprised when she walked into a crowd of family, friends, and fellow athletes who attended her retirement announcement at the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) HQ on Wednesday.

The emotional farewell was a testament to her two-decade long career, and her announcement was full of reflections, stories, and heartfelt gratitude for having the opportunity to blaze a trail for future Australian and international divers.

A Tribute to Wu’s Impact

A highlight of the farewell was an emotion-charged tribute video featuring messages from teammates, coaches, and her family. Divers – past and present – expressed their admiration for Wu, not just as an athlete but as a mentor, teammate, and friend.

Wu’s synchro partner and fellow silver medallist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bree Bryant (nee Cole), recalled their competing together as a ‘highlight,’ and she praised Wu for inspiring a generation of divers through her hard work, perseverance, and success.

Beijing 2008 gold medallist Matthew Mitcham OAM, praised Wu’s longevity in the sport, describing it as ‘inspiring,’ and applauding her stamina, perseverance, and tenacity.

 “I am in total awe of you,” Mitcham said in tribute.

NSWIS coach, Joel Rodriguez expressed his appreciation, focussing on the determination she displayed.

“I feel so proud and lucky to be part of [Wu’s] fantastic career,” Rodriguez said. “She had the determination, resilience and respect every day. You will be missed at the pool”.

Wu’s influence on the next wave of divers was obvious, with younger athletes expressing their appreciation.

NSWIS diver Ruby Drogemuller thanked Wu for her training tips and techniques, while 18-year-old Olympic diver Ellie Cole affirmed that Wu’s legacy will endure.

“[It] will continue to motivate and inspire us well into the future,” Cole said.

NSWIS divers Brittany O’Brien, Sam Fricker, and Kurtis Mathews added to the heartfelt messages.

Fricker noted Wu’s generosity in helping fellow athletes.

“I know it’s already been a month or so without you, but we really feel it,” Fricker said.

Mathews highlighted the lasting impact of her mentorship.

“The lessons you taught me leading into and during Paris are things I am going to replicate for the rest of my career,” he said.

Even young divers, inspired by the latter stages of Wu’s incredible journey, expressed their admiration.

The wholesomeness of junior diver, Irene Kim won the crowd – and Wu – over. Decked out in Australian green and gold, waving pom-poms, and with a poster of Wu hanging behind her she enthused: “Congratulations on your retirement!”

“You are such an amazing diver. You will be remembered as a role model for all the future Australian divers!”

Young Kim later handed Wu the poster that featured in the tribute – a collage of her career highlights – and a bouquet of beautiful flowers after the announcement.

The tribute video concluded with Wu’s longtime coach Chava Sobrino . . who Wu describes as her ‘second father’ . . . providing a touching farewell.

“You have been a part of my life for such a long time, not only as an athlete, but as a role model for everyone,” said Sobrino. “You have been an inspiration to me as well. It’s not about letting go of an athlete, but a…friend. And you have been my best friend.

“Thank you, Mel”.

Wu responded emotionally, thanking Sobrino for his guidance.

“Chava, thank you so much for everything,” she said.

“You have made such a massive impact on my life, not just as an athlete but as a person. I think these will always be the best years of my life.”

“You’ve done so much for me as a person, and hopefully we’ll still be in touch and can tell me more dad jokes!”

Wu Reflects on Her Career

Wu described her announcement as a ‘very, very happy day’ despite leaving the familiarity of her routine and the camaraderie of her NSWIS teammate.

“[I’m] definitely sad to not be seeing everybody every day, but I’m very happy with what I’ve done and hopefully left an impact for the next generation as well,” said 32-year-old Wu.

Reflecting upon her career, Wu shared that while she overcame tough challenges as a young athlete, she was walking away without any regrets.

“It was a really long journey for me, from being a young athlete [and] having a lot of difficulty when I was younger with performing under pressure,” she said. “It’s something I worked really hard at, so, I really feel like I left no stone unturned and I’m very lucky to look back and be happy with my whole journey.”     

Reflecting on her career highlights, Wu shared how much the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and her bronze medal meant to not only her, but to her team.

“I think it was a point in my career where I really relied a lot on my whole support network – all the different services and people at NSWIS, physios, dieticians, my coaches,” said Wu. “We were doing everything to prepare for that Olympics. So, that moment…standing on the podium…that moment wasn’t just for me.

“That was definitely a highlight”.

She also provided insights into what drove her to compete at five consecutive Olympic Games, and as many Commonwealth Games campaigns.

“Once you do it, it’s addictive,” she said of competing at the Olympics. “You want to keep going. It’s an amazing experience and you can’t explain it until you’ve been.”

“It’s not just going and representing Australia, but it’s the people you meet, the networks you make, being part of a whole larger Australian team”

Wu said she was passing on the baton at a perfect time.

“This is why this is such a happy moment, to see the next generation come through” she said, before directing her comment to her younger teammates.

“Knowing and training with you all, seeing all the amazing things that you’re doing and what you’re capable of, that is so exciting for me. I’m hoping to still be involved in the sport and still give back . . . and [I’ll] very much watch closely, seeing you all come through and do amazing things for Australia”.

What’s Next?

Wu won’t be stepping away from sport entirely. She and her siblings, Madeline and Joshua, co-own and coach at HrdKAW, a strength and weightlifting gym club fittingly located on Melissa Place in the Sydney suburb of Kings Park. She also runs self-directed diving programs where she passes on her knowledge to aspiring athletes.

NSWIS CEO Kevin Thompson, who presented Wu with a framed print which acknowledged her time at the Institute and was signed by her squadmates, praised the Olympic silver and bronze medallist her many contributions to the Institute.

“It’s really not a sad day – it’s an opportunity to celebrate an amazing career from an extraordinary woman,” he said of the long-term NSWIS scholarship holder.

“NSWIS wanted to honor Mel because of her contribution to the Institute. She’s an athlete who gives so freely of her time to support NSWIS, and we are so incredibly grateful.

“Mel’s career proves, with hard work, resilience and courage, these challenges can be overcome . . . she is a champion by any measure: as an athlete, a citizen and role model.” 

As the event came to a close, Wu offered a ‘group hug of thanks’ to those who supported her.

“A massive group hug to all of the people that helped me on my journey,” she said.

“It definitely took a village, and I appreciate every one of you. I just want you all to know how grateful I am – from the very first time I dived into the pool. Having that support all the way through my career has made this career possible.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me, and I’ll be forever grateful.”

“Thank you.”

Words and Photos: Rachel Tingey, NSWIS