The 37-year-old, who received a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) after partnering Tim Baillie to Britain’s first-ever Olympic canoe slalom gold medal in the men’s C2, began competing in the early 2000s.

In a decorated career, Stott won three world bronze medals, as well as European gold, alongside Baillie, in 2012.

"For over 20 years I have considered myself to be a slalom canoeist and it is time for me to announce the end of a huge chapter in my life," said the 37-year-old.

"I consider myself both extraordinarily fortunate to have reached this point, and to have the full array of choices before me to take my life forward.

"Although I have won an Olympic gold medal at a home Olympics, I am sincere when I say that I value my journey in canoe slalom so much more."

Stott's triumph with Baillie at London 2012 came a year after he had dislocated his shoulder.

In 2013, Stott sustained a more serious dislocation during a World Cup tour event in the Spanish Pyrenees, this time to his other shoulder.

With Baillie retiring later that year, Stott partnered with Mark Proctor upon his return from injury.

The duo worked towards qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics, but Britain’s place in the men's C2 was ultimately taken by David Florence and Richard Hounslow, who went on to take silver at the Games behind Slovakian cousins Ladislav and Peter Škantár. 

The removal of the men’s C2 event for Tokyo 2020 has been a significant factor in Stott’s decision, but he admitted competing in one Olympics was more than he ever expected.

"Looking back at my young self, I’m sure I displayed no sign that one day I would be an Olympic champion and a consistent world-class competitor," he said. 

"In the end, I got to become an Olympic champion just once, but I now know the true efforts required."

Stott intends to stay involved in canoeing recreationally, while focusing his attention beyond sport.

"My ambition is to help more people realise their potential, so I want to build on my knowledge gained during my career," he said.

British Canoeing’s performance director John Anderson added: "Etienne has been a wonderful athlete and ambassador and we thank him for all he has done for our sport in the UK.

"We wish Etienne and his wife Georgie every success and happiness in the future."