The Briton confirmed she has decided to take up a job as a physical education teacher and will not longer take part competitively in the sport.

Her career highlight came in 2012 when she came second in the women’s 78 kilogram weight category at the Games, where she lost to the United States’ Kayla Harrison.

After her semi-final victory over France’s Audrey Tchemeuo with a golden score, Gibbons mouthed “I love you mum” in memory of her mother, who died after a battle with leukemia in 2004.

Along with this, she also won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow representing England and became the first British woman to make the podium at the Tokyo Grand Slam when she did so in 2015, winning bronze.

“I can't explain how much I've loved having the job judo player, but I feel I've given the sport I love everything I have to give and now it's time for me to move onto the next chapter in my life,” Gibbons said.

“I'm looking forward to developing my next career as a PE teacher, and once graduated from Edinburgh University in a few months' time I'll be hoping to share the wonderful sport that has helped shape me into the person I am today with the many young people I encounter.

“Judo has given me the platform to learn how crucial determination, commitment, courage and resilience are in order to succeed.

“These are lessons I will use to shape my future and the future of others.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have made my 25 years in the sport 25 extremely positive ones.”

In December, Gibbons, who lives in Edinburgh, declined funding from British Judo’s World Class Performance Programme.

Speaking at the time to insidethegames, Gibbons said her decision was based around a condition which stipulated having to live in Walsall, where the British Judo Centre is.