Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian ever, has announced her retirement from international competition.
The 19-time Paralympic gold-medalist is opting to call time on her career at 48 before the Los Angeles 2028, which would have been her 10th Games.
She won her titles across both swimming and cycling since her debut Games in Barcelona in 1992, with four of her golds coming in front of home crowds at London 2012.
“I am so privileged to have spent 35 years as an international athlete. I genuinely pinch myself that my childhood dream of being an athlete for as long as I possibly could has led to nine Paralympic Games and opportunities across so many sporting events,” Storey said in a statement.
“This has included women’s and Para sport alike, and I feel so proud to have contributed – alongside so many incredible people – to the progress we’ve all witnessed and enjoyed in that time.”
Storey cites the “stalling” of para sport as one of the reasons for stepping away ahead of LA 2028, believing she can have a greater impact on areas of the sport that “still need attention” rather than try and add to her record Paralympic medal haul in two years.
“There’s also no doubt in my mind that, within para sport, we have stalled somewhat since London 2012, and the years between each Games haven’t been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see,” she added.
“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. I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a tenth Games and possibly further titles.
“I’m excited to be part of a future where we inject the momentum that is needed to ensure the future is bright for all para athletes.”
Storey most recently picked up two golds at Paris 2024 in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 road time trial, and insists she still feels physically able to compete at the top.
“Physically, I fully believe that I could be on that start line in Los Angeles, confident of defending my two titles from Paris,” she asserts.
“However, I believe I can now be a more positive influence leveraging new roles and opportunities that allow me to fight for para sport, and the coverage that it deserves.”
Sebastian Coe, who was at the heart of planning for London 2012, echoed Storey’s concerns upon her retirement.
“Para sport was an enormously significant part of London 2012, and I remain extremely proud of what we were able to deliver,” Coe said.
“However, the issues that Dame Sarah raises upon her retirement resonate with me hugely – sport must continue to take those small but steady steps forward to ensure that what has gone before is not wasted.”
