Matty Lee, the Olympic gold medallist diver, has criticised International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry for her recent comments that athletes should not be paid at the Olympic Games. Speaking at Bramley Baths in Leeds, Lee described Coventry's stance as 'amateur' and said it felt like 'stabbing an open wound'.
The IOC reported earnings of $12.4bn between 2021 and 2024, yet Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer, initially stated that athletes should not receive payment. She later clarified that she meant 'prize money' for medallists, but Lee remains disappointed.
Financial and emotional challenges after retirement
Lee, who won gold in the 10m synchronised platform with Tom Daley at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has struggled since retiring. He revealed that he trained on an initial £12,000 a year and now, 18 months after retiring, he still feels unhappy and lacks purpose. 'I've not got a house, I've not got a mortgage. I've not got many assets,' he said.
Lee admitted to experiencing depression and anxiety, including a panic attack a year ago. He considered becoming a bartender but was advised against it, fearing he would become stuck in a job that doesn't fulfil him.
Criticism of the IOC system
Lee believes the Olympic system needs change. 'Many athletes spoke up but it's mainly retired Olympians who are talking about it. When you're in sport, especially Olympic sport, you don't want to upset anyone,' he said. He noted that current athletes often stay silent for fear of repercussions.
Coventry's stance has drawn widespread criticism, with Lee joining other retired Olympians in speaking out. He emphasised that the Olympics should not be seen as 'amateur' and that athletes deserve compensation for their dedication.
Lee's diving career and partnership with Tom Daley
Lee started diving at age seven, following his older brother Tom. He idolised Daley, who competed in his first Olympics at 14. In 2018, Lee became Daley's synchro partner, moving from Leeds to London to train. Despite financial pressures, he focused on becoming one of the world's best divers.
Lee overcame the 'twisties', a mental block that affects divers, and he and Daley went unbeaten in 2021, winning gold at the Europeans, World Cup, nationals, and Olympics. 'Everything aligned and all the years of training paid off,' Lee said.
Their Olympic gold came after a tense final dive, with Lee feeling he was in a 'flow state'. The victory was euphoric, but the elation was short-lived.
Personal tragedy and injuries
Lee's father, Tim, died suddenly from an aneurysm in October 2022, a devastating loss that compounded his struggles. Injuries followed, including major back surgery that ended his career. He was replaced by Noah Williams as Daley's partner for the 2024 Olympics, which he felt was unfair.
Lee described Olympic sport as 'the most brutal place', with glamour only for a few weeks every four years. He struggled with identity and financial pressures after retiring.
Life after diving
Lee launched a podcast, The After Dive, but cannot afford a second season. He has a following on social media but worries people have forgotten him. 'I'll go to an event and none of the interviewers ask me anything. It hurts,' he said.
Lee visited his father's grave with his girlfriend Molly, where he released his emotions. He has since felt better, but remains open about his struggles. 'This is the first time I've done an interview where things aren't going that well. But that's why it feels so important to be honest now,' he concluded.
