"I just felt it was time for a change and a new challenge in my life," he said.

"I have been competing internationally for almost 10 years and I knew I needed a new focus.

"I have loved swimming.

"It has been my life for so long and brought me so much.

"I have great friends and I have travelled the world and I have some memories that I will never forget."

Sam Hynd broke on to the scene with victory in the 400m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games ©Getty Images


Hyde burst on to the Paralympic scene in 2008, winning gold and bronze at the Beijing Paralympic Games aged just 17.

His gold in the S8 400m freestyle saw him break the world record - one that still remains today.

Hynd's domination of the 400m freestyle continued in 2009, when he took gold in the European Championships in Reykjavik, Iceland, whilst also securing gold in the 200m individual medley and 4x100m medley relay.

At the 2009 International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Hynd collected a remarkable four medals, including gold in the 400m freestyle, silver in the 200m individual medley and bronze in both the 100m individual medley and 4x100m freestyle relay.

In 2011, Hynd successfully defended his European title in the 400m freestyle, finishing in front of his younger brother Oliver.

At London 2012 Hynd went head-to-head with his brother in both the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley.

Sam Hynd won bronze behind his younger brother Oliver in the 400m freestyle at the London 2012 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images


He just missed out on a podium spot in the 200m individual medley, finishing fourth, before securing bronze in the 400m freestyle, a place behind his brother who came in second.

Hynd competed at his last international in Montreal at the IPC Swimming World Championships where he won silver in the 400m Freestyle just behind Oliver.

"Winning gold in Beijing will be something that will stay with me forever and I still hold the world record from that race which is also a special feeling," added Hynd.

"I'll miss the sport but I was ready for the next step.

"I have got a job working for British Gas and I am excited with my new steps into the future.

"I want to thank everyone at British Para-Swimming for their support and everything they have done for my career over the years.

"I would also like to thank all of my coaches who have helped me on my journey.

"I couldn't have done anything without them.

"Many thanks to Glenn Smith whose expertise and talent made winning my gold medal possible.

"Also to Billy Pye, who coached me to a bronze medal in London 2012 and Ross Nicholas for his work with me to secure a silver medal at the World Championships in Montreal 2013."

Chris Furber, national performance director for Para-Swimming, added: "Sam was an excellent member of the team who helped to inspire the next generation of athletes with his great success in the sport.

"He has won medals at every level of competition including gold at the Beijing Paralympics.

"Throughout his career he has shown huge dedication to the sport and it was personally good to watch Sam win the silver medal in the 400m freestyle in Montreal.

"I have enjoyed working with Sam since I joined the sport and on behalf of everyone at British Para-Swimming I want to wish him well for the future."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories:
August 2012: Hynd brothers lead GB medal charge in the pool as teenage starlet Firth takes Ireland's first Paralympic gold
July 2011: Hynd leads British clean sweep in men's S8 400m freestyle on another successful day at European Championships
August 2010: British Paralympic gold medallist out of World Championships