World champion diver Rebecca Gallantree announces her retirement from the sport

Gallantree competed in her first international event in 2004. Credit: PA

Essex diver Rebecca Gallantree has announced her retirement from the sport after a career that has seen her appear at every level of competition.

Rebecca Gallantree and Alicia Blagg with their gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Credit: PA

The 32-year-old from Chelmsford made her diving debut in 2004 and competed at her first Olympic Games at Beijing in 2008 in the individual 3m Springboard.

Gallantree went on to win gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games with partner Alicia Blagg in the 3mSynchro and a year later was back on top of the podium, this time as a World Champion after winning the team event alongside Tom Daley.

Gallantree and Daley celebrating after their team win in the 3m Springboard event Credit: PA

Gallantree says one of the highlights of her career was competeting in front of a home crowd at the London 2012 Olympics.

She told British Swimming: "Diving has been a huge part of my life and has given me so many unforgettable opportunities and experiences.

I have achieved more in my career than I ever thought possible. Representing Team GB at three Olympic Games, winning a Commonwealth gold medal with Alicia, and a World Championship gold medal with Tom, were all things that I would never have imagined ten years ago.

Competing in front of a home crowd at London 2012, in particular, will always be one of my fondest memories. I hope that my diving career has helped show what can be achieved with passion, determination, and hard work."

Gallantree now plans to spend time away from the boards and go travelling for the next few months.