Six-time Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell of Canada has announced her retirement from Para-athletics ©Getty Images

Six-time Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell of Canada has announced her retirement from Para-athletics, bringing an end to a gold medal-laden career on the track and in wheelchair basketball.

The 42-year-old won double Paralympic gold at Rio 2016, topping the podium in both the 100 metres and 400m T52.

Last year’s Games was Stilwell’s fourth in all, having first competed at Sydney 2000 where she was part of Canada’s gold-medal winning wheelchair basketball team.

Stilwell reverted to Para-athletics in 2004, due to medical reasons relating to her spinal cord injury, and went on to claim 100m and 200m T52 golds at Beijing 2008.

At London 2012, she successfully defended her 200m crown, but had to settle for silver in the 100m.

Stilwell, who is the first Canadian Paralympian to win gold in two different summer sports, announced her retirement on Twitter.

"Thank you for almost 20 years of incredible memories, triumphs, friendships & gratitude," she said.

"Time to put the brakes on."

Stilwell also achieved major success at multiple World Championships, winning seven gold and two silver medals across three championships in track and field, as well as global gold in 1998 with the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team.

Furthermore, she is the current world record holder in the 100m T52 and 200m T52 with respective times of 18.67 and 33.19.

One of Michelle Stilwell's six Paralympic gold medals came at London 2012 in the women's 200m T52 ©Getty Images
One of Michelle Stilwell's six Paralympic gold medals came at London 2012 in the women's 200m T52 ©Getty Images

"This decision has been difficult, but the time is right," Stilwell wrote on her Facebook page.

"I will move forward with new goals, taking the best of what I’ve learned through my sports career with me.

"Sport has moulded me like nothing else could and I hope my journey can serve as an example of all that is possible in a sporting life.

"So many life lessons that go beyond sport.

"It's not about the medals, the good or bad days.

"It's about who you chose to become after all is said and done…thank you Canada for allowing me to represent this amazing country.

"It's been an incredible honour and privilege."

Stilwell became a quadriplegic aged 17 when she fell during a piggyback accident.

The Winnipeg native is now pursuing a career in politics, and is the Cabinet Minister for Social Development and Social Innovation in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly.