"It's time to announce I am hanging up my paddle and moving on to another part of my life journey," Regal said.
"I will take away so many memories with so many great people along the way. My kayak career has had its turbulence but from those experiences and learnings I have grown into not only an Olympic gold medalist but an even better version of myself.
"To my coaches and support staff who have believed in me at times when I didn't believe in myself I can not thank you enough for the time and energy put into this career of mine. To my teammates who gave me more giggles then most people have in a lifetime, who I have shared more tears with then anyone else and who I had the honor to train, paddle and celebrate with and who will still be my friends in this new journey thank you for making my job so much better.'
"To my family and friends who I missed events, large life milestones and those I rescheduled on all the time; I can't wait to make up for some of that lost time. I hope you follow my new journey which is equally challenging but just as epic."
Fellow Olympic gold medallist Hamish Bond also announced his retirement this week, bringing an end to his illustrious rowing career.
