Dame Sarah Storey retires from international competition, citing stalled para-sport progress
Britain's most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, has announced her immediate retirement from international competition at age 48, choosing to focus on improving para-sport rather than chasing a 10th Games in Los Angeles.
A career spanning nine Games
Storey made her Paralympic debut as a 14-year-old swimmer at Barcelona 1992 and went on to compete in four Games in the pool before switching to cycling. Across nine Paralympic appearances she collected 19 gold medals and 30 medals in total, with 74 world and Paralympic medals combined. Her four golds at London 2012, in front of home crowds, were a career highlight. Most recently she won two golds at Paris 2024 in the C4-C5 road race and C5 time trial.
- Debuts at Barcelona Paralympics as a 14-year-old swimmer.
- Wins four gold medals at London 2012 Paralympics.
- Wins two golds at Paris 2024 Paralympics.
- Announces retirement from international competition.
Why now
Storey said she still feels physically capable of defending her titles at Los Angeles 2028, but believes she can have a greater impact off the bike. She pointed to a lack of momentum in para-sport since London 2012, saying the years between 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.
Storey, who has been planning for life after sport since her early career, said her parents always encouraged her to have another string to her bow. She now feels ready to use everything she has learned over 35 years to push for change.
Reaction from Lord Coe
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who chaired the London 2012 organising committee, said Storey's concerns resonated with him. He stressed that sport must continue to take "small but steady steps forward" to build on past achievements.
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.
The British Paralympic Association has been approached for comment.
The next chapter
Storey, who already serves as travel commissioner for Manchester and chair of Lancashire Cricket, said she is excited to use new roles to fight for para-sport and the coverage it deserves. She did not rule out future positions such as chef de mission for the Paralympic team or a performance director role in cycling. "I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a tenth Games and possibly further titles," she said.
