Gibson has struggled with a back injury for the last 12 months

Former Commonwealth and world swimming champion James Gibson has announced his retirement at the age of 30 because of a back injury.

Gibson won gold and bronze in the 50m and 100m breaststroke at the 2003 world championships and held the British and Commonwealth records in both.

"I had a great career and the support of some brilliant coaches," he said.

"It's disappointing to retire before London 2012 but hopefully I'll be there on the deck instead of in the pool."

Gibson, who was born in Essex but based in France since 2006, had been struggling with a back injury for the past 12 months.

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"My career highlight, of course, has to be winning the world championships in 2003 in Barcelona but one of my most memorable moments was when I took gold in Manchester at the 2002 Commonwealth Games," he said.

"Standing on the podium, with friends and family among the 5,000 strong crowd, all singing the English anthem was one of the most emotional moments of my career. I still get tears in my eyes when I watch it now."

Praising Gibson's achievements, which also included two silvers at the 2001 European Championships, national performance director Michael Scott added: "James has had a long and distinguished career and has represented both Great Britain and England with pride and distinction.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his outstanding contribution to British swimming and wish him every success in his future endeavours on the pool deck as a coach."

Gibson has accepted a coaching job at the French Swimming High Performance Centre.

"I am looking forward to the next phase in my career," he explained.

"As a sprint coach here, I will get to work with some of the most exciting European swimmers."

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