The Mansfield-born swimmer, who also won 400m world championship silver (2011) and bronze (2009) to add to a European gold (2010), says she wants to leave the sport at the top.
“I have achieved everything I wanted to,” she said.
“Some people want to milk it all they can. I’ve always said I wanted to finish on a high, despite my love of the sport.”
British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Lord Coe paid tribute to the achievements of the former Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion.
“Becky Adlington’s unforgettable success in Beijing inspired a generation to get in the pool and swim,” he said.
“Her down-to-earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure.”
BOA chief Executive Andy Hunt added: “Through her remarkable talent and tireless work ethic, Becky Adlington has set a standard of excellence that future generations of Team GB athletes will aspire to reach.
“She represents the very best of what British sport, and the Olympic movement, are all about.”
