Hazel (pictured top) has been in the position for six years and after leading the British team to medal success at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, he helped them finish fourth place on the medal table at London 2012.

The top-four finish came as Danielle Brown and Mel Clarke claimed a one-two finish in the women's individual compound open at the Royal Artillery Barracks.

But with London 2012 now over, Hazell has decided his family comes first.

"This was not a decision I took lightly and it was with a very heavy heart that I handed in my resignation," Hazell told World Archery.

"I'm so proud of all we've achieved together over the past six years, with medals at World Championships and the Paralympics, helping some extremely talented archers emerge and be successful at international level, and be privileged to work with some wonderful people.

"But I live in South Wales, which is a fair drive to Lilleshall (where Archery GB is based), and I spend far too long away from home, and after a lot of thought, I have decided that I want to have more time with my family."

Archery GB has already begun the search for Hazell's replacement to lead the senior elite programme.

"I think that over the past six years GB Paralympians have set the standards for the rest of the world to follow, but as proved at the Games last month, the world has caught up, the margins are now much narrower, and to move forward will take a whole new approach and dedication," Hazell added.

Tim Hazel helped lead Danielle Brown to two Paralympic gold medals and three world titles

Hazel's replacement will inherit a talented squad, spearheaded by Brown.

The 24-year-old from Yorkshire is now a double Paralympic champion and triple world champion and became the first Paralympian to represent England in an able-bodied event at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.

She subsequently won a gold medal in the Indian capital in the women's team compound event, beating Canada 232-229, alongside teammates Nicky Hunt and Nichola Simpson.

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