Wu Minxia delivers her retirement speech at the ceremony on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

First recognized worldwide after winning the 3-meter synchronized springboard with another star diver Guo Jingjing at the 2001 FINA World Championships, Wu built her name as a specialist in synchronized events as she won the discipline at the Olympics four times in a row with Guo in 2004 and 2008, He Zi in 2012 and Shi this year.

Wu's career peak came in London as she won her only individual Olympic title in the 3m springboard to become the undisputed leader on the women's team after Guo retired in 2011.

"There are too many people that I want to thank at the moment but I want specifically to show my gratitude to Guo, who led me to make the biggest step forward in my career, from nobody to an Olympic champion," Wu said of Guo's influence on her.

"Although people always joked around that I am the perennial runner-up to her (in individual events), it was her who brought me into the spotlight. We've been keeping in touch and we appreciate the friendship with each other."

Without setting a specific goal in her post-athletic career, Wu said she will sit back and enjoy life with her family for a while before considering job options in diving management or coaching.

According to a Chinese media report, Wu is expected to marry her boyfriend Zhang Xiaocheng soon.

China's retired Winter Olympic champion speed skater Yang Yang presented a painting of Wu at the Olympics as a gift at the ceremony.

"I believe your life after retirement won't be any less exciting than making the podium in the past. You will have your own family, your baby and enjoy another sort of sense of accomplishment. I wish you all the best," said Yang, who is now a member of the International Olympic Committee.