Four-time Commonwealth medallist Louis Smith has announced his retirement from gymnastics.

The 29-year-old represented Team England at two Commonwealth Games, winning medals in both the pommel and team events.

Smith first competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, becoming Commonwealth champion in the pommel event and winning bronze in the team competition, before returning for the Glasgow 2014 Games where he secured bronze and silver in the pommel and team events respectively.

On announcing his retirement in a statement posted on social media, Smith said: “Gym has given me everything - it gave me the tools necessary to channel my ADHD throughout my childhood , and as I grew up through the sport, I very quickly found a purpose in life, and it has made me the person I am today.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved in the sport and hope that my achievements have left a legacy that will continue to inspire gymnasts of the future.”

The 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne proved to be a pivotal moment in Smith’s fledging career, as his gold medal success in Australia  preceded him going on to win medals at European, World an Olympic level.

Just two years after making his multi-sport debut in Melbourne, Smith made history in  becoming the first British gymnast to win an Olympic medal since 1928 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.