Japan's Shohei Ono has opted to retire from judo at the age of 30 ©Getty Images

Back-to-back Olympic gold medallist Shohei Ono has retired from judo to pursue a career in coaching.

The Japanese star followed up his success at Rio 2016 with another gold at his home Games in Tokyo last year in the men's under-73 kilograms weight division.

He also helped Japan to win silver in the mixed team event at Tokyo 2020, and was a three-time individual world champion.

However, Ono has not competed at International Judo Federation (IJF) level since Tokyo 2020, and Japanese news agency Kyodo reports the 30-year-old has opted to turn his attention to a coaching career instead.

Ono intends to apply for a Japanese Olympic Committee overseas training programme, and is hoping to study in Britain.

Shohei Ono of Japan, right, defended his men's under-73kg Olympic title with victory against Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili, left, at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images
Shohei Ono of Japan, right, defended his men's under-73kg Olympic title with victory against Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili, left, at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

He won his first IJF Grand Slam in Tokyo in 2012, becoming world champion for the first time one year later.

With the exception of matches from which he was forced to withdraw, Ono has not lost in individual competition at an international event since August 2014.

His dramatic victory against Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili at Tokyo 2020 came deep into golden score.

Ono did take part in the National Championships in April, but has not competed internationally since Tokyo 2020, citing a lack of physical and mental fitness.