​Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful Paralympian, has announced her retirement from international competition. The 19-time Paralympic gold medallist will end her remarkable career at the age of 48 before the Los Angeles 2028 Games, which would have marked her 10th appearance at the Games. She has claimed titles across both swimming and cycling since her first Games in Barcelona in 1992, including four golds won in front of a home crowd 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 has cited what she describes as the “stalling” of para sport as a key reason for stepping away ahead of LA 2028. She believes she can have a greater impact in areas of the sport that still need attention rather than attempt to extend her record Paralympic medal haul by competing for a tenth Games 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 secured two gold medals at Paris 2024, winning the C4-C5 road race and the C5 road time trial, and she maintains that she still feels physically capable of competing at the highest level. “Physically, I fully believe that I could be on that start line in Los Angeles, confident of defending my two titles from Paris,” she said. “However, I believe I can now be a more positive influence by embracing new roles and opportunities that allow me to advocate for para sport and the coverage it deserves.”
Sebastian Coe, who played a central role in 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 remarked. “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 we sustain momentum and deliver lasting benefits for para athletes.”