The 39-year-old, considered as one of the greatest of all time, competed at six Paralympic Games and at every World Championships since the inaugural edition in 1994.

His compatriot Pamela Relph, a double Paralympic champion in Rowing, has also called time on her career.

Kindred won a medal at every World Championships and claimed a total of 13 Paralympic Games medals, including gold in the men’s 200 metres individual medley SM6 race in Rio de Janeiro.

His impressive collection includes 62 major medals, with 19 World Championship podium finishes and 26 coming at the European Championships.

“After some long and hard decision making I have decided that it’s time for me to call time on what has been a successful swimming career,” Kindred said.

“From learning to swim at 11 and making my major Championship debut at 16 at the inaugural World Championships in Malta, I never dreamt of being an international swimmer for over two decades.

“Since swimming in Rio last September I had been very much focused on continuing in the sport that has given me so much, but over the last couple of months I have come to the realisation that the physical and mental demands to be an elite athlete are now becoming too much."

Kindred added: “Knowing when to stop a career is a very hard decision to make especially when it’s part of your life, but stopping with Paralympic Gold and a world record in the 200 individual medley is very pleasing.

“I would like to wish the current crop and future swimmers on the Para swim team the best of luck and to enjoy every minute in the pool.

“I am now looking forward to the next chapter and enjoying time in the water with my daughter.”

Kindred’s contribution to British Para-swimming was praised by national performance director Chris Furber, who described the veteran athlete as a “fabulous ambassador”.

“Sascha’s contribution to not just Para swimming but Paralympic Sport over the last 20 years has been phenomenal and I think something that we are unlikely to see surpassed,” Furber said.

“To even compete in six Paralympics is astounding but Sascha topped this by winning seven Paralympic gold medals.

“He has been a fabulous ambassador for British Swimming and ParalympicsGB and we are all sad that he has decided to hang up his trunks.

“Personally, it’s been my privilege to work with Sascha over the last four years and I’d like to thank him for the knowledge he has shared with me over that time.

“I very much hope Sascha remains involved in sport and continues to mentor British swimmers in the same way as he did when competing so successfully.”

Relph, who created history in Rio by becoming the first rower to win two Paralympic golds, has also announced her retirement.

The four-time world champion plans to run the London Marathon in April.

"I'll miss being part of the best rowing team in the world but am excited about life after sport," Relph, awarded Member of the British Empire in 2013, said.