Bryan, who was the country’s first world junior champion in diving, tendered his resignation to the National Sports Council (NSC) a few days ago in what will be a big loss to the country’s sporting scene.
The 22-year-old platform specialist, who is a three-time Olympian, went on study leave at the beginning of the year. He is now in the second year of his sports science degree course at Universiti Malaya.
“I’ve no regret in ending my career. At this moment, I need to focus on my studies. I do not want to think of anything else,” said Bryan.
“I have discussed this with my parents and I think this is the best decision at this point of my life.
“I don’t want to be like the other athletes. Some of them are still pursuing their studies late into their 20s.
“There is no way anyone can get a kick-start to their career without getting a degree.
“If I were still in the national team, I would still be in training and I would have to delay my studies each time there’s a major competition. I’ve been doing that for many years,” said Bryan, who first burst into prominence after becoming the youngest athlete to compete in the Athens Olympics in 2004.
Bryan then went on to win a historic gold medal in springboard at the World Junior Championships in Brazil in 2004. He also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
At SEA Games level, Bryan was always a winner – contributing gold all the time since he made his debut in Manila in 2005.
Bryan also won multiple medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2010 Asian Games.
His many firsts also include becoming the first Malaysian diver to qualify for a World Championships final when he competed in the 10m platform in Melbourne in 2007.
Bryan also made history by bagging a bronze in his 3m springboard synchro with Huang Qiang at the London World Cup last year.
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