Sarah Storey

Sarah Storey is a British road and track racing cyclist. Sarah has a very decorated sporting history behind her, competing in a number of high profile competitions as well as a number of Paralympic Games. She has won the heart of the nation and continually gains success time and time again. Sarah was born without a functioning left hand, yet she hasn’t let this disability hold her back and has gone on to achieve more than most able-bodied people have. Initially, Sarah began her career as a Paralympic swimmer, competing at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games. Swimming was a particular talent of Sarah’s, finishing her swimming career having won two gold, three silver and a bronze medal. Unfortunately, Sarah had to give up swimming due to suffering from ear infections.

After leaving swimming Sarah discovered a talent for cycling, first competing in the sport at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games was the fifth games that Sarah competed in, bringing home another victory for herself when she won the individual pursuit and the road time trial. Also in 2008, Sarah competed in the National Track Pursuit Championships, where she raced against able-bodied athletes, winning the competition. Later in 2010, she qualified to compete in the 2012 Commonwealth Games for the British team. These games were very significant for Sarah, as she was the first disabled cyclist to ever compete for Britain at a Commonwealth Games.

The 2012 London Paralympic Games was another momentous occasion for Sarah, as she won the first gold medal in the women’s individual C5 pursuit for Britain. Sarah performed impeccably in these games, taking home another three gold medals. Sarah decided to take on the challenge of team management, founding her own cycling team alongside her husband Barney Storey. The team is called the Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International women’s amateur cycling team, and it supports the Boot Out Breast Cancer charity.

At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Sarah took home the title of the most successful female Paralympian after she won the individual pursuit final. Due to Sarah’s commitment to sport, she was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire at the 1998 New Years Honours. Most recently, at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Sarah solidified her prominence as an athlete with another three Paralympic Golds in the C4-5 road race, C5 time trial and the C5 3000m individual pursuit. Sarah's prominence as a Paralympian has seen her become a highly sought after speaker for corporate events. When looking for a Paralympian to inspire your audiences to overcome adversity and break their personal barriers, don't hesitate in booking the inspirational 28 x Paralympic medallist Dame Sarah Storey.

In April 2023 we sat down virtually with Sarah Storey and discussed how London 2012 Transformed the Lives of Disabled People. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Sarah Storey.