Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most-decorated Paralympian, has retired from international competition with immediate effect. The 48-year-old cyclist has opted not to compete at Los Angeles 2028.
Storey will instead focus on helping improve Para-sport, a field she feels has “stalled somewhat” since the London 2012 Games. She stated that many areas “still need attention” within the sport.
A Career of Unprecedented Success
Storey leaves the international stage having won 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games. This includes 19 Paralympic gold medals, with four golds secured at London 2012.
Her illustrious career began as a swimmer, where she competed at four Games. Across those Games, she won 16 medals in the pool, including five golds. Storey started her Paralympic journey as a 14-year-old swimmer in 1992.
Unable to swim for much of 2005 due to ear infections, she started cycling. Storey made a permanent switch before Beijing 2008, where she won the first of her 14 Paralympic cycling golds.
In 2010, she also became just the second Para-athlete to compete against non-disabled athletes at the Commonwealth Games, finishing sixth for England in the individual pursuit. Born without a functioning left hand, Storey has 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. She added that this has “included women’s and Para-sport alike,” and expressed pride in contributing “alongside so many incredible people – to the progress we’ve all witnessed and enjoyed in that time.”
Storey’s last eight Paralympic titles have been won as a mother, following the birth of her daughter Louisa in 2013 and her son Charlie in 2017.
Driving Change in Para-sport
Storey believes the sport’s development has not met expectations. “The years between each Games haven’t been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see,” she stated.
She views this as a “critical stage” for Para-sport. “There are many areas of Para-sport that still need attention, and that is something that has played a big part in my decision,” Storey explained.
The champion feels she can have a greater influence away from competition. “I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a 10th Games and possibly further titles,” she commented.
Storey expressed excitement “to be part of a future where we inject the momentum that is needed to ensure the future is bright for all Para-athletes.” She maintained that physically she “fully believe[s] that I could be on that start line in Los Angeles, confident of defending my two titles from Paris.”
Lord Coe, World Athletics president and former chairman of London’s organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, echoed some of Storey’s sentiments. He said: “Para-sport was an enormously significant part of London 2012 and I remain extremely proud of what we were able to deliver.”
Coe noted that “the issues that Dame Sarah raises upon her retirement resonate with me hugely.” He added that “sport must continue to take those small but steady steps forward to ensure that what has gone before is not wasted.”
The British Paralympic Association has been approached for comment regarding Storey’s retirement and observations.