She is leaving the GB Academy in Manchester to devote more time to nine-month-old daughter Elsie Diana.

Stevenson, a double world champion in the over 67 kilogram category and an Olympic bronze medallist at Beijing 2008 was appointed as an elite coach with responsibility for an expanding junior development programme in April 2013 following her retirement.

At London 2012 took the Olympic oath at the Opening Ceremony on behalf of all the athletes but was knocked out in the first round of the competition following a build-up interrupted by injury.

"I want to be the best mum I can be," Stevenson, who lost both her parents in the build-up to her victory at the 2011 World Championships in Gyeongju, said. 

"Retiring from competitive sport was a million times easier than this decision.

“This decision ended something I have done all my life and it was the hardest one I have ever made."

The 32-year-old Stevenson is married to GB Taekwondo coach Steve Jennings.

“It’s not the job," she said. 

"It’s just the travelling distance involved between Liverpool and the Academy in Manchester.

“If I have my mind on Elsie in Liverpool, I don’t think I am giving everything to the sport or everything to my baby.

"And anyone who knows me, knows if I do something, I do it with everything I have got.

“So, if I have to make a choice then Elsie comes first.

"But I am genuinely disappointed to be leaving.

“There are so many exciting things happening with the junior programme and at the elite level of our sport.

"That’s what makes it even harder."

Stevenson, however, will continue in her role as a member of the World Taekwondo Federation's ruling Executive Board.

She will also carry on in her role as one of eight Olympians selected as Team GB Greats to mentor and share experiences with athletes preparing for Rio 2016.