Scottish Diver Grace Reid Announces retirement, Eyes Future in Sport
Edinburgh, Scotland – Scottish diving star Grace Reid has announced her retirement from elite competition, bringing an end to a celebrated career spanning two decades. The 26-year-old, who began diving at age five, leaves the sport having broken numerous barriers for Scottish and British diving, and wiht a clear desire to remain involved in the athletic world.
Reid’s journey began with her selection for Team Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi at just 14 years old. As then, she has amassed a remarkable collection of medals and accolades, becoming a pivotal figure in the sport’s growth within the UK.
A historic moment arrived in 2016 when Reid became the first Scot to win an individual European diving medal as 1954, securing bronze in the 3m springboard. Later that year, she further cemented her place in British diving history as the first woman from the nation to reach an Olympic final in the same discipline, finishing eighth.
Two years later, at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Reid achieved another milestone, winning gold – a first-ever women’s diving medal for Scotland at the event and the first Scottish gold in the sport in 60 years.
“There have been so many highs, there have been a lot of lows, really difficult times, a lot of change, a lot of growth, firsts, records,” Reid explained, reflecting on her career.”It really has given me everything in every capacity, from a personal perspective and also from a sporting angle as well.”
Beyond her athletic achievements, Reid has been a vocal advocate for championing women in sport and ensuring equal opportunities for young people.”Championing women in sport, young people in general and the benefits that sport has to offer is something that has been at the core of what I have done as I was little and that equal opportunity is something that I am very passionate about,” she stated.
Reid recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in applied sport science, a qualification she believes will be invaluable in her next chapter. “Having my degree and having 20 years of experience in elite sport is quite a deadly combination,” she said.
While her future role remains undefined, Reid is eager to continue contributing to the sporting landscape. “I would love to stay involved in sport,” she added. “What that actually looks like in what capacity I am still trying to figure that out but I know that my passion for sport is going to be used in some capacity, whatever role I end up doing.” She is taking time to process her decision and explore potential opportunities, expressing excitement about what the coming months may hold.
