The Team GB diver has announced his plans to take a “long break” from the sport, creating uncertainty regarding his participation in the next Olympics. The author acknowledges that the choice to participate again is currently uncertain.
Olympic diver Noah Williams has shared his concerns about his future in diving, as he openly discussed the toll that intensive training has taken on his mental well-being.
The 24-year-old athlete from Team GB had a remarkable performance at the Paris Games, securing a bronze in the individual platform event and a silver in the synchronised platform event with his diving partner, Tom Daley.
The victories were incredibly moving, particularly given that they came three years after the untimely loss of his coach and mentor, David Jenkins.
After achieving two Olympic medals, Williams expressed to Sky News that he has exceeded his own expectations and is now eagerly anticipating a much-needed “extended break” from diving.
He expressed some doubt about his availability for the upcoming games in Los Angeles, acknowledging that he is uncertain about what lies ahead.
“I would love to have a break, perhaps for as long as a year, and discover new possibilities.” If, after a year, I no longer feel the desire to dive and observe a positive change in my mental well-being, I might contemplate bringing it to a close.
Williams has been candid about his mental health in the past and acknowledged that his rigorous training has presented challenges at times.
“I really dislike training; it can be quite mentally draining,” he expressed. “Competing, I absolutely adore that aspect; it’s the reason I’m so passionate about it.”
Recently, athletes have been increasingly inclined to prioritise their mental well-being, even amidst the demanding expectations and constant scrutiny they face.
Simone Biles, an exceptional gymnast from Team USA, made the courageous decision to prioritise her mental well-being by taking a break from competition in 2021.
Adam Peaty, a highly regarded British swimmer, has bravely shared his struggles with depression and alcoholism. Similarly, tennis sensation Naomi Osaka made the difficult decision to withdraw from the French Open in 2021 due to her mental health challenges.
Competing at the highest level of sport often leaves athletes with little time to engage in activities that others may consider ordinary.
Williams plans to take a well-deserved break from diving and indulge in some leisure activities, including going on a holiday and exploring other sports he loves.
The 24-year-old revealed that he battles with depression, and although it’s not a topic he initially wanted to discuss openly, he has chosen to be candid when questioned about his personal struggles.
Although he has faced his fair share of negative comments, he admits that even a single unkind remark can have a profound impact on his well-being, leaving him feeling down for an entire week.
“People are entitled to their own opinions, but there are individuals who send messages that leave me questioning their motives.”
On the other hand, he added, he gets a lot of supportive notes.
Since he openly discussed his mental health, he has received messages from individuals expressing gratitude for his honesty and acknowledging the positive impact he has had on them.
The young athlete humbly downplayed his achievements, emphasising that he is just an ordinary individual. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude for the heartfelt messages, acknowledging their significance.
Williams shared his thoughts on the passing of his coach in 2021, expressing the profound impact it had on him.
During a post-competition interview, Williams displayed visible emotion and expressed the significance of the silver medal: “It holds great personal value for me.” After Tokyo, my coach sadly passed away, leaving us in second place from our previous third-to-last position.
“I don’t want to say too much because it might bring tears.”
Discussing the tragic passing of his coach, the diver expressed his deep shock. Jenkins, who was only 31 years old, was discovered unconscious in a swimming pool in Antalya, Turkey.
Jenkins, the development lead coach for England’s top diving programme, Dive London, tragically passed away after dedicating his final day to training the Team GB squad.
Williams expressed how deeply losing his coach impacted his life, causing him to contemplate giving up diving altogether.
“He was someone I nearly spent more time with than my own parents. I would accompany him to competitions. He mentioned that he spent a significant amount of time with him from Monday to Saturday, training for almost eight hours a day.
According to Williams, the impact of Jenkins’s death was a significant low point in his life, leaving him in a state of shock.
He expressed his desire for his coach’s approval and happiness after his successful time in Paris, stating that he wanted to achieve something that would make his coach proud.