Leeds Olympic Gold Medallist Matty Lee Discusses Life After Elite Sport on LNER's Routes Podcast
Olympic gold medallist Matty Lee features on the latest episode of LNER's Routes podcast, speaking with Jenni Falconer about retirement, mental health, and life beyond competitive diving.
Best known for winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics alongside Tom Daley, Lee stepped away from competitive diving at just 26. In this episode, he reflects on the intense psychological pressures of performing on the world stage and the challenges of transitioning out of sport at a young age. He explains more about his decision to return home to Leeds after seven years training in London and how he is now rebuilding his identity outside of sport.
"It's hard to navigate retirement, especially when it comes so early," said Lee. "I needed to move home, be closer to family, and fill up my cup again.”
When asked what he’s been doing since retiring at 26 Lee explained:
“I've done a lot of travelling. Last year, I went on so many different holidays, but I think travelling now just feels different because I used to travel all the time with diving, which was my job.”
Having started his diving journey at local pools in Leeds, he credits his upbringing and early training in the region as the foundation of his Olympic success.
The episode explores the lighter side of Lee’s journey. Now aged 28 and settled back in Yorkshire, he is embracing a slower pace of life, swapping the intensity of international competition for quiet countryside breaks and time with loved ones. The Olympian shares a new appreciation for slower travel, UK staycations, and the importance of balance after years of high-performance training.
“It’s nice to just get on a train or in the car and escape somewhere peaceful. There are so many amazing places around here, you don’t have to travel far to switch off.”
Lee also reveals his plans to stay connected to diving by giving back to the sport, supporting and coaching young athletes.
Lee said: “I’d love to work with kids, that’s where the passion starts. Seeing them learn something new and build confidence is really special.”
The Matty Lee episode is now available on all major podcast platforms, to watch on Youtube and listen onboard LNER trains. A special 'Quiet Coach' edition will be released next week.
Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode.
Notes to editors
Jenni Falconer
Jenni Falconer is a well-known TV and radio presenter with nearly 30 years of experience. She’s hosted shows including ITV’s This Morning, Entertainment Today, GMTV, The National Lottery Show, and Cirque de Celebrité, and is a regular on West End red carpets.
She currently hosts Smooth Breakfast, making her the UK’s only solo female breakfast show host, and previously presented on Heart.
Originally from Glasgow, Jenni began her media career while at university in Leeds, going on to front shows like Holiday, Fantasy Homes by the Sea and How to Holiday.
A passionate runner, she launched the hit podcast RunPod in 2019, with guests ranging from Mo Farah to Amanda Holden. In 2025, she ran her 10th London Marathon and released her first book, Runner’s High.
Jenni is also a keen golfer and hosts the Women’s Golf Show podcast. In 2020, she co-founded the award-winning supplement brand Kollo Health, with her latest launch, MenoSupport, supporting women’s health.
She lives in London with her husband James and daughter Ella.