IT is probably the end of an era after another senior diver, Leong Mun Yee, formally announced her retirement from the sport yesterday.
The news came just two days after 2017 world champion Cheong Jun Hoong quit the sport following the National Sports Council's (NSC) decision not to renew her contract.
Mun Yee's decision came as no surprise as the 37-year-old had made her intention known before the Tokyo Olympics last year.
The Perak-born made her fifth Olympic appearance in Tokyo — a Malaysian record.
However, Mun Yee is not walking away from the sport yet as she plans to give back and contribute to Malaysian diving.
In fact, Mun Yee is now helping the national team as an assistant to national coach Li Rui.
"Retirement is expected from all athletes at some point, but it is not the end," she said yesterday.
"For me, it is just a turn in life as I am retiring as an athlete, but my mind is still very much with the sport.
"My retirement is not a sudden decision as I had planned it after the Tokyo Olympics.
"Also, coaching the national team is only a temporary thing as my goal is still to set up a diving academy.
"Ideally, the best location would be at the National Aquatic Centre as it has the best facilities, but that would need the support of the Sports Ministry and the NSC, so I'm looking at a six-month time frame from now.
"If things go smoothly, then the plan is to expand to Ipoh. The facilities there are also good, and it would be a waste not to utilise that.
"My plan is to start with kids as young as five to prepare them for the sports school and the national team."
Mun Yee exits as one of the most decorated divers, having won numerous medals at the Sea Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.