The 26-year-old from Cambridge, who has cerebral palsy, competed at two Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008 and collected four silvers and two bronzes in the S3 category.

Williamson won gold last year in the 50 metre backstroke S3 event at the 2009 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships in Eindhoven but she said that she does not feel she could repeat the feat in the English capital next year.

"I realised that with new athletes coming through, the chances of me being able to compete for a place on the podium in London were pretty tough going," Williamson told the Cambridge News.

"But instead of this being a negative, I turned it into a positive.

"I always knew there would be a sign when it was time for me to stand down – this was definitely it, especially when I realised what I could offer outside the pool.

"I came up with tons of plans, which I'm excited about, and finally decided it was time for a new chapter."

Williamson had also been hit hard by the decision from the IPC to reduce the number of events she competes in from four in Athens in 2004 and two in Beijing in 2008 to just one individual race in London.

"Everyone involved with the sport has been so amazing to work with," Williamson added.

"The opportunity to train, travel and compete with some of the most talented people in the world has been the ultimate highlight and a true privilege.

"My swimming career has brought me so much.

"As well as 23 treasured international medals, I'm grateful for the things and experiences I've gained.

"Friends, knowledge, motivation and empathy for sportspeople who have to squeeze into skin tight suits to compete!"

National Performance Director for Paralympic swimming John Atkinson added: "Fran has had a key role in the sport for the past decade and I know this decision must have been difficult for her to make.

"Her achievements in the sport have been vast and they are an outstanding credit to her and British Swimming."

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