VALE Olympian and long distance swimming champion David Davies has confirmed his retirement from the sport at the age of 27.

The 2008 Olympic 10km silver medallist and 2004 Olympic 1,500m freestyle bronze winner has bowed out of the sport following his third Olympic Games in London this year, which he called a "career highlight".

Just making the 2012 Games was a huge achievement, as he had been forced to withdraw from the 2011 World Championships following fatigue problems.

Former St Cyres pupil Davies, from Barry, achieved a British record of 14:45.95 for the 1,500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He also took gold in the 1,500m freestyle in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and bronze in the 400m freestyle.

He has now taken up a role with Sport Wales as an athlete mentor.