Dame Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful Olympian has decided to hang up her bike after a 13-year professional cycling career.
The five-time Olympic gold medallist was planning to feature in the Olympics in Paris this Summer, but the struggle of parenthood is the reason for this decision.
“I always knew deep down I would know when the right time was,” “It’s been in my head a little while, the sacrifices of leaving the children and your family at home are really quite big and it really is a big decision to make.
Kenny: BBC Sport
The 31-year-old, who married fellow Cyclist Jason Kenny in September 2016, gave birth to her first child, Albie in August 2017.
Although she suffered a miscarriage in 2021, the Kennys eventually had their second child, Monty in 2023.
Competing in three Olympic Games, Kenny also collected a silver medal in Team Pursuit.
Embed from Getty ImagesHer Commonwealth Games record was also illustrious, with a Gold in Glasgow 2014 in the Points Race and a Gold in Birmingham 2022, in the Scratch Race.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe also obtained 15 UCI Track Cycling World Championship Medals, and 18 UEC European Track Championships medals.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 2013, Trott was appointed a OBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours, for services to cycling.
Four years later, she was awarded a CBE, in the same event for the same reason.
Andy Anson, chief executive officer of the British Olympic Association paid his tribute to multiple Olympic Champion.
“Her talent, dedication, resilience and brilliant personality will have inspired many and I have no doubt will continue to do so over years to come.”She is a true legend of British Olympic sport.”
Anson: BBC Sport
As for her post-retirement plans, Kenny revealed that she was open to helping the next generation of cyclists, despite not wanting to be a Coach.
“I could never be a coach because that’s just too much pressure for me, but maybe something in the background that would help the youngsters have the opportunities I had.”
Kenny
And why would she? Not every successful sports person would succeed at that role, as coaching requires a lot out of you in terms of patience and the ability to deal with different personalities.
All the members of GB’s Team pursuit, gave their compliments to their former teammate, for her services to the sport.
“But most importantly thank you for ensuring there was never a dull moment on the journey.”
Joanna Rowsell,
“You pushed me to be the best I could be”. “But most of all thank you for being you. You haven’t changed one bit. Even after all of your success. I’m SO proud of you, on and off the bike.”
Dani Rowe
Road cyclist Mark Cavendish also praised Kenny on her illustrious career.
“The way you lead and grow a group of people has always been so, so impressive.” “Thank you for everything you have done for British sport.”
Cavendish
It may be the end of an illustrious career, but Dame Laura Kenny has made a name for herself in Great British Sport history.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
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