The two-time Olympian remains the outdoor British record-holder after a best clearance of 5.82 metres in 2012.

His greatest success was on the Commonwealth Games stage, however, with a bronze medal at Melbourne 2006 followed by a silver in Delhi 2010.

He then claimed gold at Glasgow 2014 with a 5.55m effort.

Lewis also finished fourth at the London 2012 Olympic Games in a career which began with a bronze medal at the World Youth Championships in 2003.

"What an incredible life pole vaulting has given me," Lewis wrote in a statement on Twitter announcing his retirement.

"I love sport because my achievements can never be taken away: two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and national record-holder. 

"These will always be remembered as the moments when I was able to 'let go' and believe in my dream."

Lewis, who is based in the United States, added: "Tonight in Reno, Nevada, I will step out on to the runway one last time to draw a line under my career and it just so happens that it falls on my mum's birthday… a perfect way to retire."

London Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford was among those to congratulate Lewis on his career.

"One of my best mates, my room-mate and training partner for years," he said on Twitter.

"I'm going to miss seeing you at the track. 

"But more time for us to plan hiking trips in the U S of A - Britain's greatest male pole vaulter retires."

Lewis had competed sparingly over the last two seasons and had not been selected in the England squad for Gold Coast 2018.