Lambert revealed he had been planning to retire after the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which had been scheduled to take place this year but were then postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

"I had already been planning to retire in August after Tokyo – when the Games were delayed to next year I decided I still wanted to step away," he said.

"It feels like the right time for me to start my new chapter and career.

"I would like to thank my coach Paul Stannard, our chief coach Jürgen Grobler, all our sport scientists and physios and, of course, my fantastic crewmates."

The 33-year-old competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics, finishing fifth in the men's quadruple sculls event alongside Jack Beaumont, Sam Townsend and Angus Groom. 

He also earned a silver medal in the quadruple sculls at the 2014 World Championships in Amsterdam, having claiming a world bronze in the same event the year previously. 

Lambert's performance with the quadruple sculls team at the 2019 World Championships ensured a spot for Britain at Tokyo 2020. 

"I’m really happy to have qualified the boat in 2019 even though I'm not going to be in it," he said. 

"I wish everyone who is trialling for Tokyo the very best. 

"I am looking forward to supporting everyone from the comfort of my sofa."

Stannard was among those to pay tribute to Lambert upon his retirement.

"It has been great working with Pete over the past seven years and he has been the linchpin of the quads project over that time," Stannard said. 

"His determination and strong work ethic, combined with his ability to be an excellent leader and team player will, I am sure, see him make a success in the next stage of his life."