Dame Laura Kenny announces retirement from professional cycling

Dame Laura Kenny, Britain's most decorated female athlete, has announced her retirement from professional cycling.

An Instagram post from the 31-year-old said: "Thank you cycling for everything you've given me - including a husband and our growing family!

"Having people say I have inspired women and girls to get active and get on a bike means the world to me.

"Thanks to Team GB, British Cycling and all the partners who have supported my journey. A special thanks to every team mate I have had over the years and of course to my family for being the best support unit I could ever have wished for."

"It's now time to move on but stay following for the next chapter."

The Harlow-born athlete's won five Olympic gold medals, and was also the first British woman to win golds at three consecutive Games after her titles at the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

Dame Kenny had previously expressed hopes of competing at this summer's Games in Paris - but says "it's now time to move on" to the "next chapter".

The five-time Olympic champion has credited cycling for "everything" it's given her, including her husband, Jason Kenny, and their two sons.

In her career, Dame Laura Kenny has won 63 medals at UCI World Championships, UEC European Championships, UCI World Cups, Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

44 of those are golds.

Laura hangs up her wheels as not just one of the sport’s greatest riders, but as one of the greatest sporting talents our country has ever produced.

Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, has paid tribute to Kenny.

He said: “Laura hangs up her wheels as not just one of the sport’s greatest riders, but as one of the greatest sporting talents our country has ever produced.

“All who have had the pleasure of watching Laura compete will pay witness to her peerless combination of craft and determination, which propelled her to become Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games.

“Just as impressive, however, is the impact which Laura has had on her fellow riders on the Great Britain Cycling Team and the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. She has been a beacon of inspiration for so many, young and old, and I’m sure that the entire British cycling community will join me in wishing her the very best in the next chapter of her life.

“From Welwyn Wheelers and our talent pathway to the very top of the sport, we’re so proud of everything that she has achieved, and I’m sure she will continue to be one of our team’s biggest supporters for many years to come.”

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