Tallent made his Olympic debut in Beijing 2008 where he won medals in both the 20km (bronze) and 50km (silver) events. He then triumphed in London 2012 winning gold in the 50km Race Walk and won silver in the same event at Rio in 2016, with his four medals making him Australia’s most decorated male Olympian in Athletics.

AOC President John Coates AC says Jared is a wonderful competitor and a person of great conviction.

“Congratulations to Jared on a remarkable career,” Mr Coates said. “As Australia’s most decorated male track and field Olympian, Jared holds a special place in Australia’s rich Olympic history.

“I was honoured to be able to present Jared’s gold medal from London 2012 in Melbourne four years later. Presenting an Olympic medal is an honour, but even more so to be part of rectifying the injustice perpetrated on Jared by a doping cheat.

“Throughout his career Jared has displayed incredible dignity, humility and passion for fairness and I know Jared will continue to find success in whatever path he chooses to walk next.”

Tallent told Athletics Australia that it was a run of injuries in the lead up to Tokyo 2020, that forced him to retire from the sport.

“I had planned for Tokyo to be my swansong but I’ve had a number of setbacks from an injury to my hamstring, with the latest one putting a halt to my final preparations for the Australian 50km Race Walking Championships this weekend,” Tallent said.

“Unfortunately that was the last chance for me to qualify for Tokyo so it is with mixed emotion that I announce my retirement from elite sport.”

The Olympic record holder in the 50km Walk said while he leaves athletics earlier than he had anticipated, he looks back on his career with pride.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. The medals I’ve won at the Olympics are by far my highlight as they were beyond my wildest dreams when I started race walking all those years ago,” he said.

“To go to an Olympics is an achievement, and then to go on to win three medals in a row in one event is something I’ll never forget.

“I’ve made long-lasting connections and friendships through athletics and I’m grateful to take them away with me. In particular, I’d like to thank my family and friends for their support and also my coaches over my career, Daryl Biggin, Brent Vallance and Adam Didyk for the support and guidance they’ve provided me along the way. I also want to thank Professor Louise Burke at the Australian Institute of Sport.

"Much of my success in London is because of the knowledge she shared with me. I really couldn’t do it without that team.”

Jared Tallent’s career highlights

•    Winning four Olympic medals: silver (50km) and bronze (20km) at Beijing 2008; gold (50km) at London 2012 and silver (50km) at Rio 2016

•    Medalled in same event (50km) at three consecutive Olympics – only the second Australian to achieve that in Athletics after Shirley Strickland.

•    Three-time World Championships silver medallist in 50km (2011, 2013, 2015)

He also won two Commonwealth Games medals (including one gold) three World Championship medals and six World Race Walking Cup medals.