The 28-year-old, who also has three Olympic silver medals to his name from last summer's Games and Beijing 2008, had originally planned to take a year off before returning to compete at Rio 2016 but has now decided that he will not be going back to the pool after taking some time to mull over the decision.

"Swimming has given a lot to me...But I wanted to move on," he told French television channel beIN Sport.

"I had my hour of glory."

Amaury Leveaux, who has announced his retirement, won gold at London 2012 alongside Grégory Mallet, Clement Lefert and Yannick Agnel ©AFP/Getty Images


In addition to his Olympic accolades, Leveaux is a relay world champion and multiple European gold medallist in both relay and individual events.

He also is the current 100m freestyle world record holder after swimming 44.94sec over the short course in 2008 and the European short course record holder in the 50m freestyle with 20.48.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2012: Agnel inspires France 4x100m freestyle team to thrilling swimming success over US