Link to newsround

Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey retires

File photo dated 09-09-2024 - A woman with brown hair looking straight at the camera smiling wearing a Team GB hoodie with two gold medals around her neck.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Dame Sarah Storey has won 19 gold medals over her Paralympic career

  • Published

Dame Sarah Storey, who is Britain's most successful Paralympian, has retired.

The Paralympic champion has won an incredible 19 gold medals over her career in both swimming and cycling.

The 48-year-old cyclist has said she will not be competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games but will instead focus on helping improve Para-sport.

"There are many areas of Para-sport that still need attention, and that is something that has played a big part in my decision," she said.

"I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a 10th Games and possibly further titles."

Dame Sarah Storey, who was born without a fully functioning left hand, began her Paralympic career in 1992 as a swimmer.

She won 16 Paralympic medals in the sport including five Golds before switching to cycling in 2005 and competing in the sport at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008.

She then won 14 Paralympic cycling golds.

Her last was at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Sarah's biggest fans are her children Louisa (12) and Charlie (8), when she returned for her ninth Games in 2024 one reason was for her children to be able to watch her compete.

Dame Sarah Storey at home with husband Barney, daughter Louisa and son Charlie on April 15, 2024. Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Dame Sarah Storey is the most successful British Paralympic athlete of all time with 30 medals

"I am so privileged to have spent 35 years as an international athlete," Sarah 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 sporting events."

"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," she added.