Springboard specialist Wendy announces retirement after 14 years

Time to move on: Wendy Ng Yan Yee’s last plunge was at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, in February.

PETALING JAYA: Diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee has finally called it a day after 14 years in the national team.

The 30-year-old springboard specialist announced her retirement yesterday in a video, saying she was leaving competitive diving with no regrets.

“Today with a grateful and thankful heart, I bid farewell to the pool that has been my sanctuary and stage for countless unforgettable moments,” said Wendy.

“From Olympic triumphs to cherishing each victories, each occasion was fuelled by dedication and unwavering support.

“I may not be perfect in my 20 years of involvement (in diving) but this is the way of life.

“Over the years, life has brought me all kinds of pressures and doubts but that has shaped the person I have become.

“I am grateful to my family, teammates and friends who have been with me all the way.

“Retirement marks not the end but the beginning of another exciting journey,” said Wendy, who added she has not really decided on her future plans.

“I plan to take a break first and finish up my Masters studies, then I will decide on my next plan.”

Wendy’s last plunge was at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, in February. The world meet was the final Olympic qualification event but Wendy missed the cut for the women’s 3m springboard individual and also in the 3m springboard synchro with partner Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

But despite the setback in Doha, Wendy can still cherish the memories of competing in three previous Olympics (London in 2012, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021).

Her best Olympic moment was finishing 10th in the 3m springboard individual final in Rio.

At the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, Wendy created a unique record of taking silver in the same event – 3m springboard synchro – in four successive campaigns.

In her Asian Games debut in 2010, Wendy won silver with Datuk Leong Mun Yee, followed by Cheong Jun Hoong at the Incheon Games in 2014, and Dhabitah in Jakarta in 2018.

She also partnered Dhabitah for a silver in the same event at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games two years ago.

“I’ve competed in the Olympics final, world championships final and made the Asian Games podium each time,” she said.

“These are memories I will cherish. Hopefully, somebody else can take up the challenge and do better than us after this.”