AMY Smith has called time on her successful international swimming career.

She announced her retirement from competitive action after nearly 10 years of racing at the highest level, representing Great Britain and England.

The Wyre Forest Swimming Club member, 27, from Kidderminster, has taken on the world’s best at three Commonwealth Games, as well as European and World Championships and the London 2012 Olympics.

She ends with a host of medals, including a hat-trick of 4x100m medley silvers from the Commonwealths, European Gold (4x100m freestyle) and silver (4x100m medley), as well as individual bronze in the 100m freestyle at the European Short Course Championships.

“I’ve had some fantastic experiences as a result of being involved with swimming, and I have got some great memories from it. But I feel excited about moving onto new things now – and for me, that’s a sign that it was time to move on,” Smith said.

“The highlight of my career would definitely be to have competed in a final at the Olympic Games.

“I have been so lucky that it happened to be a home Olympic Games too. It has always been something I had aimed for, so to achieve it was a proud moment.”

Smith aims to move into physiotherapy and has recently started a sports massage course.

She added: “There are so many people that have influenced my career and I would like to say a big thank you to.

“Without my parents, my swimming career would never have started, so I owe so much to them.

“They have supported me more than I ever could have hoped for throughout my career, so I hope I have done them proud.

“I also couldn’t have got to where I wanted to be without the coaches I have had. From back at Wyre Forest Swimming Club, to the last nine years that I have been at Loughborough, and qualifying for the Olympics under Ian Armiger.

“I have been extremely lucky to have had all of them push me, but also be so supportive.”