Two-time Olympic champion Felix Sanchez has announced his retirement, revealing he will not defend his title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The 38-year-old from the Dominican Republic won two world titles and two Olympic gold medals during his career.

He competed at the 2000 Games in Sydney before winning gold in the 400-metre hurdles at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2012 Games in London.

Sanchez made the announcement via a video news conference in his homeland. 

"I say thank you to God for running with me. Thank you to my family for understanding the sacrifices of my absence," he said.