Double Commonwealth bronze medallist Richard Faulds admits he is looking forward to the next chapter in his life after announcing the end of his competitive shooting career.

Faulds, a world junior champion aged 16, won the first of his Commonwealth Games medals on home soil in Manchester alongside partner John Bellamy in the men’s double trap pairs.

It came just two years after he became Britain’s first shooting Olympic gold-medal winner in 12 years after claiming gold at the Sydney 2000 Games.

An eventual five-time Olympian, Faulds won medals at all levels, including at European and World Championships, and he doubled his Commonwealth tally at Melbourne 2006 when he teamed up with Steven Walton in the double trap pairs.

But after a 20-year career, the 37-year-old has decided to call it quits, instead choosing to focus on other things including the Owls Lodge Shooting School he opened in 2010 with wife Tanya – also a successful shooter.

"Over the years I have often said 'that's it, no more double trap' but I have many other commitments in life now, with family and business," he said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me to reach the pinnacle of my sport over the years and I wish everyone who competes wearing the GB badge the best of luck for the future.

"I am enjoying my time competing along side Tanya in Sporting, watching her succeed and now our son Charlie has just started shooting, so maybe he will continue the "Faulds" name at the Olympics in a few years time."

© Sportsbeat 2014