AYDIN

Former Olympic diver Leon Taylor says winning silver at the 2004 Athens Games and ending Great Britain’s 44-year medal drought in diving remains one of the proudest moments of his life.

“It was my third Olympic Games. Winning a medal for myself and for my country – the first in diving in 44 years – was one of my proudest moments,” Taylor told Anadolu on Friday. “It had been 20 years since I watched the Olympics on TV as a child and dreamt of standing on that podium.”

Taylor was in Türkiye to take part in the “Wellness Weekend with Olympic Medalist Athletes” event in the western resort town of Didim. The initiative, developed over the past decade with wellness advocate Cheryl Hicks, promotes movement, mindfulness and lifestyle education.

“Guests today want more from a holiday – not just luxury and good food, but also a chance to feel energized, to move, to learn,” he said. “That’s exactly what we’re offering here: inclusive, inspiring activities in a beautiful place, surrounded by great people.”

Taylor said his personal mission shifted after retiring from sport. “As an athlete, it was about me. Now it’s about others – whether it’s yoga, coaching, or speaking, I want to help people feel better, physically and mentally.”

He described how he discovered diving at age eight, calling it a “perfect combination” of swimming and gymnastics. What he misses most from his athletic career is the sense of community.

“We used to train seven hours a day – it was hard – but we were like family. That team spirit is something I see here too, where even the management joins the activities.”

A frequent visitor to Türkiye, Taylor said he has been to the country “maybe ten or eleven times,” including during a European championship in Istanbul. “I’m a regular visitor to this beautiful part of the world,” he said, praising the hospitality.

Asked for advice to young athletes, Taylor said: “Find joy in what you do. It’s easy to get caught up in pressure and seriousness, but your best performances come when you’re enjoying it. Your career is short – you’re retired for a long time. Savor every moment.”