AN OLYMPIC gold medallist from Reading has retired from diving to pursue his music career as a DJ/producer.

Chris Mears, 26, from Burghfield Common announced on Instagram that he would be working full time in the music industry, releasing music alongside his cousin.

The post explained that Mr Mears had been thinking about what to say for a while.

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Mr Mears wrote: “What a journey! From a seven-year-old kid with too much energy, somersaulting off of anything and worrying my parents to death, to Olympic champion with Jack Laugher.”

“My road was certainly bumpy.

“But in order to get to something from nothing, you need to work hard, keep improving, and never give up.”

According to the BBC, in 2009 Mr Mears “was given only a 5% chance of survival by doctors after suffering a ruptured spleen as a result of undiagnosed glandular fever and was left in a coma after a serious seizure, but defied all of the odds to make his Olympic debut at London 2012”.

The post continued to pay tribute to his hometown.

He said: “The first part of my journey started in Reading, my hometown (RG massif!) with Albatross diving club.

“A special shout out to Geoff Pierce for finding my talent, and Malcolm Green for nurturing it!”

Across his career, Mr Mears succeeded greatly, winning Britain’s first Olympic gold medal in diving at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside Jack Laugher.

His post continued: “I’ve had a career full of amazing memories, friendships and experiences I’ll always look back on and smile.

“I’ve learned lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life!

“A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported me!”