It was the year 2021 when gymnastics queen Simone Biles became a staunch proponent of mental health issues when she chose to prioritize her cognitive well-being over the all-around title. She withdrew from the competition and left her fandom astounded by walking away from the global stage at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. As she left her fans to ponder over her decision, a Kiwi diving sensation looked on in wonder.

Wellington based diver, Anton Down-Jenkins, had represented New Zealand in the 2021 Olympics, becoming the first diver from the proud nation to do so since 1984. Nonetheless, the impeccable diver faced challenges and could not perform in the way he had hoped. At the same venue, Gymnastics G.O.A.T Simone Biles also went through duress. Seeing her walking away from the Olympics helped Down-Jenkins combat his negative thoughts.

Fast forward to 2023, adhering to the inspiration he got from Biles, Down-Jenkins now stands at the pinnacle of his vocation. However, after building a successful career in his beloved arena, Down-Jenkins decided to bid goodbye to deep blue turf.

Anton Down-Jenkins retires from swimming

On November 12, Anton Down-Jenkins announced that he would be stepping away from the boards after months of training for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This was a year after he withdrew from the Commonwealth Games, citing ?mental health? problems. Now, once again, the diving heartthrob has turned in his speedo and ended his Olympic campaign in a bittersweet moment.

He announced the news on his social media page, which was then reported on Queerty. In the social media update, as well as in the Queerty article, the professional diver wrote, ?I recently decided to end my campaign through to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and while I?m sure a lot of people are confused by the timing, it couldn?t feel more right?. Now, his ?dreams have changed and there are so many things that I am excited to do that just don?t involve being an athlete?. ?

He further wrote, ?I?ve accomplished so much more than I ever thought possible as an athlete in the sport of diving?. Now, he is embarking on a new adventure which will take him away from the competition but not from the pool.

Anton Down-Jenkins is setting out on a ?wild ride? where he will indirectly savor the thrill of the competition and medal-earning feats. As a UNC diver, he will join the training program in the role of a graduate assistant. This would give him the opportunity to reunite with his longtime mentor, Yadiel Gamboa.

The two-time ACC Diver of the Year award winner was glad of the new opportunity and welcomed it excitedly. The diving legend said, ?I really do love passing on my knowledge and because the feeling of diving is so fresh?I feel like it lets me provide an athlete perspective through the coaching role?.

Read More: Michael Phelps, Caeleb Dressel, Simone Manuel: Exploring the Mental Health Issues of American Swimming Legends

From looking up to Simone Biles for inspiration to setting on his voyage to new roles that await him, the diver came a long way. Following his retirement, he? now looks forward to explore new avenues.

Anton Down-Jenkins’ words of encomium for Simone Biles

Back in 2021, Anton Down-Jenkins paid tribute to gymnastics icon Simone Biles for helping him shake off negative thoughts, as he made it to the Olympics final. He stated, “I was really impressed with [Biles] for taking those steps to withdraw for the sake of her mental health. That took a little bit less pressure off me knowing that the greatest of all time sometimes has those days.”

In his paean for Biles, Down-Jenkins further added, “That was just so awesome to see that such a high profile athlete was putting her mental health first. To see other people struggling, it wasn’t just me, that was really interesting to see and it helped me a little bit.?

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