Paralympic great Storey retires from GB competition

New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: 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 to focus on helping improve Para-s. Storey, a 19-time Paralympic champion, feels the movement has "stalled somewhat" since the London 2012 Games and that many areas "still need attention".

"The years between each Games haven't been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see," she stated. "I see this as a critical stage; there are many areas of Para-s 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 10th 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 began her career as a swimmer and competed at four Games before switching to , winning a total of 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games, including four golds at London 2012. Her transition from swimming to is a testament to her versatility and determination as an athlete. Born without a functioning left hand, Storey has always faced challenges head-on, exemplifying the spirit of resilience that defines many athletes within the Paralympic movement.

The impact of Storey's retirement extends beyond her personal achievements. World Athletics president Lord Coe, who was chairman of London's organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, commented: "Para-s was an enormously significant part of London 2012 and I remain extremely proud of what we were able to deliver. However, the issues that Dame Sarah raises upon her retirement resonate with me hugely - we must continue to take those small but steady steps forward to ensure that what has gone before is not wasted." This highlights the ongoing conversation about the legacy of the London Games and the need for sustained support and development in Para-s.

Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission at ParalympicsGB, praised Storey as an incredible athlete and a wonderful ambassador for ParalympicsGB. "It is not only on the field of play that she has had a huge impact; she has also been at the forefront of the growth of the Paralympic movement in this country and I am delighted she will continue to play a major role in its continued development," she said. This sentiment underscores the importance of role models like Storey, who inspire future generations of athletes and advocate for the visibility and inclusion of Para-s in society.

'A Special Athlete' - Why Storey is a Paralympic Legend

Born without a functioning left hand, Storey began her Paralympic career as a 14-year-old swimmer in 1992, winning 16 medals in the pool across four Games, including five golds. After struggling with ear infections in 2005, she made a permanent switch to before Beijing 2008, where she won the first of her 14 Paralympic golds. Her journey illustrates the adaptability and determination inherent in many athletes, particularly those competing at the highest levels of .

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who won 11 Paralympic gold medals for Great Britain in wheelchair racing, first met Storey at the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992. "I always said that it felt a little bit like her swimming career was a stepping stone - she was good at swimming, but the that she was really good at was ," Grey-Thompson remarked. This observation highlights the idea that athletes often find their true calling through exploration and perseverance, a theme that resonates with many who participate in s.

In 2010, Storey became just the second Para-athlete to compete against non-disabled athletes at the Commonwealth Games, finishing sixth for England in the individual pursuit. "I am so privileged to have spent 35 years as an international athlete," Storey said. "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 different events." This statement reflects the deep sense of fulfillment that comes from achieving one's dreams, a sentiment shared by many athletes who dedicate their lives to their s.

Andy Cook, interim chair of British , highlighted Storey's dedication to grassroots development. "Her willingness to engage with riders at every level and serve as a role model will be a key part of her legacy," he added. This commitment to grassroots initiatives is crucial for the growth of Para-s, as it helps to foster new talent and ensure that future athletes have the support they need to succeed.

Grey-Thompson emphasized Storey's determination, stating, "What made Sarah a special athlete was her determination. At any point after London [2012] she could have retired and said 'I'm the most decorated British Paralympic athlete, OK, I'm done'. She always just kept driving forward. That is something very special in an athlete." This perspective highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Storey's career and serves as an inspiration to others in the ing community.

Storey's last eight Paralympic titles have been won as a mother, after the birth of her daughter Louisa in 2013 and son Charlie in 2017. "Physically, I fully believe that I could be on that start line in Los Angeles, confident of defending my two titles from Paris," she added. "However, I believe I can now be a more positive influence leveraging new roles and opportunities that allow me to fight for Para-s, and the coverage that it deserves." This acknowledgment of her dual role as an athlete and a mother speaks to the evolving nature of s and the importance of balancing personal life with professional commitments.

Stephen Park, performance director of the Great Britain Team, remarked, "Sarah's career has truly been historic; the most successful British Paralympian ever - you don't need to say much more than that." This statement encapsulates the significance of Storey's achievements and the impact she has had on the Paralympic movement, not only in the UK but also globally. Her retirement marks not just the end of an era for Storey but also an opportunity for her to channel her passion and expertise into advocating for the future of Para-s.

As Storey steps away from competitive , her focus on advocacy and development within the Para-s community signifies a crucial shift in her career. This transition is indicative of a broader trend where retired athletes leverage their experiences to influence policy, inspire the next generation, and enhance the visibility of their s. The implications of her retirement are significant, as they may pave the way for new initiatives aimed at improving opportunities and resources for Para-athletes, ensuring that the momentum built since London 2012 is not lost but rather transformed into actionable change.