The 36-year-old's decision means he will not attend a fourth Olympics at the re-arranged Tokyo 2020 Games next year.

He won bronze in the men's under-73 kilograms division at the Rio 2016 Olympics after getting the better of Hungary's Miklós Ungvári.

Other achievements include the European title in Lisbon in 2008 and two World Championship bronze medals from 2009 and 2013.

In 2015 he won bronze at the inaugural European Games in Baku.

"As an elite athlete you have to be able to train consistently to get the best out of your body," san Van Tichelt, who is nicknamed "The Bear from Brecht".

"A month ago I sustained once again a neck injury during training. 

"The expected verdict, another hernia at levels C5 and C6.

"That injury literally killed me. 

"So far the injury has prevented me from doing many daily activities. 

"The worst is not being able to have fun with my children. 

"At that moment a seed was planted in my mind about the end of my career as a professional judoka. 

"That seed has grown into a serious tree quite quickly. 

"The decision to make was obvious."

Van Tichelt made his Olympic debut at Beijing 2008, finishing in fifth place.

He was under huge pressure to finish on the podium at London 2012 but suffered defeat to American Nicholas Delpopolo in the second round.

Away from the tatami, he was elected as a member of the Belgian Olympic Committee's (COIB) Athletes' Committee.

"Dirk is someone who inspires the next generation," said Olav Spahl, a sport director at the COIB.

"His commitment to the Athletes' Committee within the NOC is fantastic. 

"What he has achieved for Team Belgium will remain for eternity."