Defending Olympic champion Matty Lee has unfortunately been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Games after undergoing spinal surgery. The 26-year-old was hoping to defend his 10 metres synchro crown, which he famously won alongside Tom Daley in Tokyo three years ago. Due to ongoing back pain, Lee made the decision to undergo surgery to address the problem. While the surgery was successful and he is now “pain free”, the lengthy recovery process means he will not be able to compete in France later this year.
Despite this setback, Lee has had a successful career so far, reaching the pinnacle with a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In the same year, he also won the European Championship and added the Commonwealth title two years ago. Lee expressed his disappointment at missing out on Paris 2024 but emphasized the importance of finding a solution to his chronic pain and having something to work on. He acknowledged that this season has been tough for him, and although being forced out of competition is disappointing, it has also given him the opportunity to prioritize his health and well-being.
Lee’s surgery was for a discectomy on his L5/S1 disc in his spine, which was causing him significant pain. His surgeon informed him that the issue would not have improved on its own and that undergoing the procedure was the right decision. While Lee will not be able to defend his Olympic title in Paris, he remains positive about the outcome of the surgery and the prospect of being pain-free. He expressed gratitude for finding a solution to his chronic pain and acknowledged the importance of self-care during this recovery period.
As Lee embarks on his recovery journey, the focus shifts to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where his synchro partner Tom Daley is set to compete. Lee expressed his sadness at missing out on the opportunity to compete in France, but his primary concern is his health and well-being. He highlighted the importance of taking care of himself and remaining positive despite the disappointment of not being able to defend his Olympic title. While he will not be able to participate in this year’s Games, Lee remains hopeful for the future and is grateful to have found a solution to his chronic pain.
In light of his successful career and Olympic achievements, Lee’s absence from the Paris 2024 Games is a significant loss for the diving world. However, his focus on recovery and maintaining his health is paramount, and he remains optimistic about the future. The surgery may have sidelined him for now, but Lee’s resilience and determination are sure to see him back in competition form in the future. As Discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, fans can continue to follow Lee’s journey and celebrate his achievements, both on and off the diving board.
