In a serene spot of a bustling café in Macclesfield, Dame Sarah Storey reflects on the next stage of her life, marking her impending retirement from elite sports after an extraordinary journey that has seen her secure 74 medals at the Paralympic and world levels, solidifying her status as the most decorated British athlete. At 48, she exudes a calm and joyful demeanor despite the magnitude of this transition.
“I’ve always been hesitant to label it as ‘retirement’ because for an athlete, it’s crucial to prepare for what comes next,” she shares. “This doesn’t equate to inactivity or leisure. I began contemplating my future as soon as I became an international competitor. My parents often advised me to diversify my skills and to consider what I might pursue if my athletic career ended abruptly. I feel incredibly fortunate to reach this point on my own terms and am excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 35 years in the coming years.”
Storey’s accomplishments extend beyond her 19 gold medals won in swimming and cycling over nine Paralympic Games. She has emerged as a significant figure in public life, working alongside Andy Burnham as Manchester’s travel commissioner and serving as chair of Lancashire Cricket, all while contributing to sports broadcasting and being a prominent advocate for Paralympic sports in the UK.
In 2012, Storey was on the verge of joining the formidable British team pursuit squad for the London Olympics, competing alongside cyclists like Laura Kenny. When asked about her ideal post-competition role, she pauses thoughtfully. “That’s a challenging question,” she admits with a playful smirk. “It varies from day to day. Some days, I envision being the chef de mission for the Paralympic team at the Games; other times, I see myself as the performance director for cycling or even hosting a television program that highlights these incredible stories. I find it hard to settle on just one option, perhaps because I’ve engaged in so many different activities throughout my life.”
Storey’s journey began at the age of 14 when she made her Paralympic debut as a swimmer at the 1992 Barcelona Games, where she won gold in the 100m backstroke setting a world record, and later claimed victory in the 200m individual medley. “I hadn’t even begun my GCSE studies when I returned from Barcelona,” she recalls. “By the time I returned from the Atlanta Games four years later, I was starting university.” In Atlanta, she achieved three golds and a silver, yet kept her accomplishments relatively private until her appearance on a popular TV show inadvertently revealed her success. “My friends were surprised when they found out; they asked why I hadn’t mentioned it,” she reflects. “It’s awkward to casually bring up that I was the top athlete in Atlanta.”
During her formative years, Storey faced challenges, including being rejected from an elite swimming club in Leeds due to her disability, which stemmed from a condition affecting her left hand. “I thought I had done my research and that they would welcome me,” she recounts, shaking her head at the memory. “But the coach changed his stance.” This setback ultimately led her to coach herself, resulting in overtraining and chronic fatigue syndrome. “That period was incredibly tough, but it fostered empathy within me for other athletes,” she explains. “I struggled with energy levels, recovery, and managing my training balance, yet I still excelled at university. A lecturer later told me he was astonished by what I achieved during that time.”
Despite the growing recognition of her achievements over the years, including four nominations for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Storey expresses disappointment that Paralympic sports remain largely overlooked. “That’s the aspect we still need to improve,” she acknowledges. “Many people are surprised when I’m selected for subsequent Paralympics, mistakenly thinking I had stopped competing. We must address the visibility of events between the Games and ensure that there is quality coverage. Conversations with entities like Channel 4 emphasize the need for greater investment.”
Storey points out, “With one in four people experiencing some form of disability or impairment, it’s vital to ensure that their stories and achievements are represented and celebrated.”
