Great Britain's Elliot Stewart has announced his retirement from competitive judo at the age of 34.
Stewart - who was diagnosed with the eye condition keratoconus - scooped the silver medal in the men's 90kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics - losing to Iran's Vahid Nouri in the final at the Nippon Budokan.
The son of 1988 bronze medallist Dennis Stewart, Elliot Stewart also took a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and believes that he is leaving the sport "in a really good place".
"I am leaving the sport in a really good place. I have had a great career and I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to represent my country and my family on the biggest stages the sport has to offer," Inside The Games quotes Stewart as saying.
"I am walking away having had no major injuries and I am looking forward to starting the next chapter in my life."
A statement from the British Paralympic Association's Chef de Mission at Tokyo 2020 Penny Briscoe read: "Elliot's silver medal-winning performance in Tokyo was a highlight of the Games and a wonderful, memorable moment that I hope he will cherish forever.
"The weeks, months and years of hard work and commitment paid off at his first ever Paralympic Games and it is an achievement he should be incredibly proud of.
"I wish Elliot well for the future and have no doubt that his focus, determination and perpetually positive attitude will enable him to excel in whatever he chooses to do next."
Prior to collecting bronze in Tokyo, Elliott enjoyed a hugely successful 2019 with two third-placed finishes at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games and European Championships.
Ben Knapton
