Gladding announces retirement

In making her Olympic debut at London 2012, the 31-year old completed her set of competing at every major competition for Great Britain during her career.

I have had the privilege to travel the world, the honour to compete for Britain on a world stage, I made friends for life and I fell in love.

Gladding’s Olympic appearance this summer was all the more remarkable considering she missed the majority of 2011 after knocking herself unconscious on the 10m Platform in competition in Russia.

The City of Sheffield diver – coached by husband Steve Gladding – competed at the past four European Championships, winning 10m Synchro bronze with Megan Sylvester in 2010.

Other notable achievements for Gladding were winning 10m Synchro silver at the Sheffield leg of the 2008 World Series and reaching the final of the 2012 FINA World Cup in the individual 10m Platform.

Gladding said on Twitter: "Twelve years ago I boarded the plane from South Africa, waved my family and friends goodbye with a tear in my eye, hope in my heart and a dream of being an Olympian.

"I had no idea of the path that I was about to go on. Diving has brought me some of my greatest joy, my deepest sadness & everything in between.

“I have had the privilege to travel the world, the honour to compete for Britain on a world stage, I made friends for life and I fell in love.

"And finally this summer I fulfilled my dream. It has been a rollercoaster that never failed to challenge me right till the very, very end. I look forward to new beginnings, new memories being made and having new dreams to chase."