Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford at end of season

The 31-year-old is hopeful of competing at August's European Championships in Berlin, as well as Diamond League events in Birmingham and London, before hanging up his spikes and calling time on his 13-year career.

Rutherford, who has struggled with injury in recent years, won long jump gold at London 2012 before claiming bronze four years later in Rio.

He said on Instagram: "I’m incredibly proud of my career. I’ve achieved so much but retirement comes early to those of us for whom sport is a livelihood.

"I want to thank everyone who’s had a positive impact on my career (but I’d struggle to name everyone here) Most importantly, the greatest coach I could have ever wished for - @danpfaff [Dan Pfaff]. My full potential would never have been reached and that Olympic gold medal would never have been won, if it wasn't for his guidance and input.

"I’m going to go for the European Championships one final time. And then I’ll also be jumping in Birmingham and London for the Diamond Leagues. If you fancy coming to watch me compete one last time then please do come on down and give me a wave. It'd be so great to finish with some roaring crowds.

"Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been a blast & your kind comments have always given me a push in the right direction."

The Briton also claimed gold at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, before doing so in the European Championships a year later.

He also has two Commonwealth Games medals, winning silver in 2010 and upgrading to gold in Glasgow in 2014.

"Whenever I try to sprint or jump I have to take three days off because I am limping so much. In the end it wears you down," he told the Guardian.

"I still feel I am fast. I still feel as if I am super strong."