Britain’s most successful female Olympian, Laura Kenny, has announced her retirement from professional cycling after her hopes of reaching Paris 2024 faded.
Kenny, 31, won gold in the Omnium and team pursuit events at both London 2012 and Rio 2016, before winning the 2020 Madison in Tokyo.
After winning seven World Championships and 14 European Championships gold, Kenny said she wanted to spend more time with husband Jason, the former track cyclist and seven-time Olympic champion, and their two sons.
She said: ‘I always felt like I would know when it was time to step away, and the time is now.
‘Cycling has given me so much, including a husband! – and I have always been extremely proud to represent my country. It was the honor of my life.
‘I know a lot of people will focus on the Olympics and the medals, but my biggest takeaway is the impact cycling has given me on other women and girls.
Laura Kenny – Britain’s most successful female Olympian – has retired aged 31 after her hopes of reaching Paris 2024 faded
Kenny with husband Jason, the former Olympic track cyclist, at the Tokyo Olympics
“Throughout my career, people have often told me how I inspired them to get active or get on a bike and I would like that to be my legacy. A girl from Cheshunt who moved the nation!
“As for the future, who knows? I have so many exciting projects and plans to look forward to. After spending more time with my family, I want to explore all options.
‘Laura the Cyclist’ has allowed me to connect with people and show a lot of my personality, but that’s not all me. There is much more to show and I enjoy sharing that with people.
‘There are so many people who have played a big role in my career. First and foremost I would like to express my gratitude to my family, who have stood by me through everything and given me my love for cycling. Words will never be enough to explain what you have done for me.
‘I would also like to thank Team GB, British Cycling, my teammates and all the partners who have supported my journey. I can’t wait to explore all the ways we can continue to work together as I enter this exciting next phase of my career.”
Kenny gave birth to her first son, Albie, in 2017 and returned to cycling, keen to prove that athletes could combine motherhood with the demands of professional sport.
After suffering a miscarriage at nine weeks in late 2021, Kenny suffered an ectopic pregnancy a few months later.
“Bang isn’t even close. I lost a fallopian tube that day,” she said at the time. “I always knew I was tough, but sometimes life pushes you to an unbearable limit.”
The Kennys then welcomed their second son, Monty, in 2023.
More to follow.
