Powell thanked all her coaches and British Judo staff, paying particular tribute to four-time Olympian Kate Howey MBE, who worked with her throughout her career.
“A special thank you to Kate,” she said.
“You have been there for me no matter what, you’ve picked me up when I’ve been at my lowest and celebrated with me at my highest.
“Both on and off the mat you’ve supported me and that is a big part of why I can look back on my career so fondly.”
Howey, the only British woman to have won two Olympic judo medals, said: “I have worked with Natalie for a very long time and have had the pleasure of coaching her when she won various World and European medals and ultimately [at] two Olympic Games.
“There have been many highs and some lows in the past 12 years but ultimately through it all, good and bad, I feel privileged to have been part of her judo journey. I wish her all the best for whatever is next in her life.”
