​Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, has announced her retirement from international competition with immediate effect. The 48-year-old cyclist has decided not to pursue competition at Los Angeles 2028 in order to devote herself to driving improvements in Para-sport. The 19-time Paralympic champion believes the sport has stalled somewhat since the London 2012 Games and that several areas still require attention. “The years between each Games haven’t been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see,” she said. “I view this as a crucial moment; there are many aspects of Para-sport that still need focus, and that has played a major part in my decision. I firmly believe I can make a greater impact off my bike than chasing a 10th Games and possibly more titles. I’m excited to be part of a future that injects the momentum needed to secure a bright future for all para-athletes.”
Storey began her career in swimming and competed at four Games before switching to cycling, amassing 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games, including four golds at London 2012.
Lord Coe, president of World Athletics and former chairman of London’s Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee, commented: “Para-sport was an enormously significant part of London 2012, and I remain incredibly proud of what we were able to deliver. Yet the concerns Dame Sarah raises upon her retirement resonate with me deeply – 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.
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 ear infections hindered her swimming in 2005, she switched to cycling and made the transition ahead of Beijing 2008, where she claimed 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.
“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 possible has led to nine Paralympic Games and opportunities across so many sporting events. This has included women’s and para-sport alike, and I am incredibly proud to have contributed—alongside so many remarkable people—to the progress we have all witnessed and enjoyed in that time.”
Storey’s last eight Paralympic titles have been claimed as a mother, following the birth of daughter Louisa in 2013 and son Charlie in 2017. “Physically, I fully believe that I could still be on the start line,” she added, signaling that her decision is rooted in a broader mission to advance para sport beyond her impressive competitive career.