Paralympic great Dame Sarah Storey retires from GB competition

Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian, has announced her retirement from international competition with immediate effect. The 19-time Paralympic champion has decided not to pursue a 10th Games at Los Angeles 2028, choosing instead to focus her efforts on enhancing Para-sport.

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The years between each Games haven't been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see.

Storey, 48, feels that Para-sport has "stalled somewhat" since the momentum generated by the London 2012 Games. She believes the intervening years have not been utilized effectively to build upon that progress. "I see this as a critical stage; there are many areas of Para-sport that still need attention, and that is something that has played a big part in my decision," she stated.

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I see this as a critical stage; there are many areas of Para-sport that still need attention, and that is something that has played a big part in my decision.

She expressed confidence that she can achieve a greater impact "off my bike" rather than chasing further titles. Storey is eager to contribute to a future that injects much-needed momentum into Para-sport, ensuring a brighter outlook for all Para-athletes. Her career, which began as a swimmer before transitioning to cycling, spans 35 years as an international athlete.

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I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a 10th Games and possibly further titles.

Storey's remarkable career includes 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games. She started as a swimmer, winning 16 medals (five gold) over four Games, before switching to cycling after ear infections hampered her swimming. She has won 14 Paralympic cycling golds, with her last eight titles secured as a mother to her two children. Lord Coe, former chairman of the London 2012 organizing committee, acknowledged the resonance of Storey's concerns about the need for continued progress in Para-sport.

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Para-sport was an enormously significant part of London 2012 and I remain extremely proud of what we were able to deliver.