James retires from international rowing

Double Olympic gold medallist Tom James has announced his retirement from international rowing.

James won gold medals in the men's fours at Beijing 2008 and memorably at last year's Games in London.

He also won the World Championships in 2011 and was in the four which set a world-best time in Lucerne in 2012.

He is now pursuing a career in consulting but the 29-year-old, who received an MBE for his services to rowing in the New Year's Honours list in 2009, still intends to continue working closely with the sport.

"I have had a fantastic time during my 10 years in the senior squad which have been incredibly successful," he said.

"I feel very, very lucky. London 2012 in particular was an experience that could not be better.

"I am not planning to distance myself from the sport, though. I am doing some work on forward planning with British Rowing's board and I am still involved with Cambridge Boat Club and Molesey Boat Club."

Great British Rowing Performance Director Sir David Tanner was keen to talk about the Welshman's achievements and skill.

"Tom is a class act both on and off the water. He enjoyed significant success with the GB Rowing Team and both of his men's four victories at the Olympic Games are races that will linger long in the memory," he said.

"Technically he is truly world class and had the capacity to make a huge impact on the boats he raced in," he said.