Posted on 28 August 2024
By Leon Taylor (Olympic Silver Medallist, public speaker, presenter, conference host, BBC commentator and mentor)
I’m Leon Taylor. Some of you might remember me as the chap who won an Olympic silver medal in diving 20 years ago, or perhaps as the voice who enthusiastically shouts into the microphone when the diving is on the BBC!
But whether you know me or not, there’s more to my story than that shiny bit of metal and the joy I get from commentating. Here’s the thing: life doesn’t stop after you step off the podium—it gets interesting, and sometimes, a bit wobbly. These days, I’m all about helping others—whether they’re athletes or just everyday people—get ready for life beyond their current success. Trust me, it’s a hell of a ride.
I’ve just returned from covering the Paris 2024 Olympics, and what an incredible experience it was! Watching Team GB bring home a staggering 65 medals, including five from our diving team, was just incredible. But as much as I was in awe of those performances, I couldn’t help but think about what happens next for many of these athletes. Because, as I know all too well, no one’s sporting career lasts forever—you’ve got to retire one day!
My love affair with sports began when I was a young child with plenty of energy to burn, trying out every sport under the sun, including early favourites swimming and gymnastics. But at the age of eight, diving stole my heart. It combined the best of both worlds—water and somersaults. By my teenage years, I was competing at an elite level for GB and chasing my Olympic dream with a fire in my belly.
Competing in the Olympics was everything I’d imagined. At 18, I was a wide-eyed novice, utterly in awe of my heroes. Fast forward to my second Olympics, and I missed the podium by just one spot. Ouch. But then came Athens. That’s where it all clicked. Alongside Peter Waterfield, I won a silver medal, finally breaking a 44-year drought for British diving. This achievement was the result of a new mindset I had adopted—enjoying the experience rather than being solely focused on the outcome. And you know what? It worked.
Of course, my career had its fair share of bumps—quite literally. Injuries, multiple shoulder surgeries, and chronic back pain eventually forced me to call it quits just before the 2008 Olympics. And let me tell you, retiring from sport is no easy task. It’s like breaking up with your first love—messy and confusing. But here’s where I got lucky: my earlier experiences with injuries and mental health challenges had already pushed me to think about what I’d do next. So, when I retired due to injury, I had options.
I’m a big believer in having a Plan B, and not just for athletes. This is one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given, and it’s something I think everyone should take to heart. For me, that meant gaining qualifications in Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training while I was still competing. These opened new doors, allowing me to adapt when diving was no longer an option. It was a bit like having a safety net while I explored other interests and options.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my post-sport career has been mentoring younger athletes like Tom Daley. Tom has just won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first British diver to win five Olympic medals—a remarkable milestone that reflects his incredible dedication and resilience.
Now that he’s retired, he’s looking ahead to the next chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited for him. It’s a reminder of my own journey and the importance of being ready for the next phase—mentally, physically, and emotionally. As a mentor, I don’t dish out advice or tell people what to do. Instead, I share experiences, ask questions, and help others find their balance. Because I believe: we’re more than just our jobs, whether that’s in sport or anything else. Having diverse interests and strong relationships—that’s the real gold.
My adventure has taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and thinking ahead. That’s why I’m fully behind and championing the Beyond Gold initiative with Active IQ. It’s not just for athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to prepare for their future by developing new skills and qualifications.
Because, let’s face it, today’s success is just the beginning. What’s next is up to you and remember: the experiences and skills you gain today are the building blocks for an even brighter tomorrow.
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