Dame Sarah Storey Retires as Great Britain’s Most Decorated Paralympian
Dame Sarah Storey has retired after a career in which she won five Paralympic golds in the pool and a further 14 titles in cycling to leave the sporting arena as Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian.
Storey has decided to step away from competition rather than attempt a tilt at a tenth Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 where she could have become the first Briton – and fourth athlete overall – to reach 20 titles.
Storey began her Paralympic career as a swimmer, claiming two golds, three silvers and a bronze at Barcelona 1992. She won a further 10 medals across three further Paralympic Games in 1996, 2000 and 2004 and six titles amid 16 medals at three IPC World Championships.
She called time on her days as a swimmer before switching to cycling where she won 14 titles over five Games.
However, she has now called time on her competitive career in the hope that she can have an impact on the future of Paralympic sport which she feels has somewhat stagnated since London 2012.
She said: “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.
“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. 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.
“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.”
Of Dame Sarah’s concerns over the future of Para sport, Lord Sebastian Coe, who spearheaded the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Para sport 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 – sport must continue to take those small but steady steps forward to ensure that what has gone before is not wasted.”