The 34-year-old came an agonised second in the lightweight double sculls at London 2012 with Zac Purchase, having taking gold in Beijing. So exhausted was he that he had to be pulled from the boat and half carried along by Sir Steve Redgrave.

The pair also won gold at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships.

"It's tough to officially end my rowing career, but I know I've gone as far as I can and now it's time to hang up my oars and look at new adventures," said Hunter, who first teamed up with Purchase in 2007 with instant success as they won a medal at each World Cup regatta and ended the year with bronze at the World Championships a year before winning the Olympic title in Beijing.

Zac Purchase (left) and Mark Hunter in despair after narrowly losing out in the defence of their lightweight double scull title at the London 2012 Olympics

"I really want to thank friends, coaches and sponsors who helped me capture my dream, but especially my family," said Hunter, who was born with Forest Gate and made his first impact in a boat representing Havering in the London Youth Games.

"The journey through all the celebrations and struggles wouldn't have been possible without the support of my parents, brother, and extended family.

"With the Henley Royal Regatta starting today, it seems like the perfect time and place to announce my retirement. It is the pinnacle of the British rowing calendar, taking place in Henley-on-Thames where I developed my skills and excelled with my club Leander."

Hunter was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2009 and was named Olympic Athlete of the Year for rowing in 2011 by the British Olympic Association.

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