Dame Laura Kenny announces retirement from professional cycling
The 31-year-old is Britain's most decorated female Olympian
Last updated 18th Mar 2024
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.
The Olympian grew up in Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, with the former Grundy Park Leisure Centre renamed The Laura Trott Leisure Centre in her honour.
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.