Injury forces British Olympic star Alicia Blagg to retire from diving

Wakefield-born Blagg teamed-up with Rebecca Gallantree to win gold in the 3m synchro springboard final at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, and competed in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

Blagg, who has recently completed studying in the United States, also won individual silver in the 2016 and 2018 European Championships.

However, her dreams of competing in the Tokyo Olympics have been shattered by a shoulder injury, sustained during training last year.

Blagg posted on her Instagram page: "This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write but after a lot of thought and consideration I have decided to retire.

"Since 2013 I’ve battled with injury after injury - having countless injections in my wrist, then 2 surgery’s on it and then injuring my shoulder, which led to another surgery last year. This year I’ve kept pushing and doing rehab on my shoulder, working with some of the best people I’ve ever met in Miami, however due to how intense this sport is, my shoulder just could not handle it anymore."

She added: "I have had one hell of a career and I just cannot believe it is coming to an end.

"Thank you to every single person who has supported me, been there for me through the tough times and the amazing times, it’s been one hell of a journey these past 17 years.

"It’s time for my next chapter which is a masters program in Edinburgh, where I will be studying Forensic Psychology with Criminology! I’m excited and nervous to start a life without diving, but it’s time for new experiences!"