Storey is celebrated as the most accomplished British Paralympian in history, boasting 28 medals, including 17 golds in swimming and cycling. No current Paralympian in any sport has surpassed her record.
Since her debut at the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992, the 46-year-old is now aiming for two additional golds in road cycling at Paris 2024, where she already holds 12 gold medals in cycling.
Despite facing a challenging preparation for these Games, Storey is driven by several factors, including her wish to avoid a repeat of the spectator-free experience of the Tokyo Paralympics, which were held under strict Covid-19 restrictions. With fans returning at the Paris Olympics, she is eager to experience a similar vibrant atmosphere at the Paralympics.
Her children, 10-year-old Louisa and six-year-old Charlie, will be among the spectators. Storey is motivated by the hope that her children will remember her participation in these Games as they grow older.
“When we decided after Tokyo that I would continue, there was no guarantee we wouldn’t still face some form of lockdown,” she said. “But the opportunity to experience a normal Games with supporters and fans was too appealing to pass up. Charlie has never experienced a Games, so hopefully, both he and Louisa will remember this.”
Storey, the only athlete to win five Paralympic golds as a teenager, has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career. The current Paralympic cycle has been particularly tough, with sponsorship and funding issues due to COVID, compounded by a severe crash in 2022 that left her with broken ribs, a partially punctured lung, and a concussion. This crash caused her to miss the 2022 World Championships and raised doubts about her ability to reach elite levels in time for Paris.
However, a resurgence in form in 2024 has restored her confidence as she prepares to become the first British athlete to compete in nine Paralympic Games.
“The recovery took much longer than expected, and it wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I saw improvements in power,” she explained. “I’m now achieving my highest power on the road at 46, which is quite an accomplishment. After such a tough end to 2022, I was concerned age might be catching up with me, or if I was just unlucky.”
Storey’s impressive longevity is attributed to her rigorous and personalized training regime and meticulous attention to detail.
“She has her own way of doing things,” noted one observer. “She ensures everything is perfect, meticulously checking her bike setup, unlike others who might rely on mechanics.”
At 46, Storey is adjusting her focus for the 2024 Paralympics, choosing not to compete in track cycling events and instead concentrating on the road race and time trial.
“In track cycling, it’s easier to predict outcomes based on times and competitors, but road racing and time trials are more tactical with many variables,” said Hurst. “Her experience gives her an edge, allowing her to know when to push hard.”
Storey is the defending champion in the road race, having secured her 17th Paralympic gold in Tokyo, and she has dominated the time trial since switching to cycling from swimming in 2008. Winning both events at Paris would make her the fourth-most successful Paralympian in terms of gold medals, behind only swimmers Trischa Zorn and Beatrice Hess and winter Paralympian Ragnhild Myklebust.
Storey is not yet thinking about retirement or the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, as she focuses on upcoming challenges, including the 2024 Road World Championships in Zurich, which follow shortly after the Paralympics.
“I’ve never approached a Games thinking it would be my last. I focus on what’s needed for the races and make decisions later,” she said. “It’s about staying distraction-free for these four races and then considering my next steps.”
Storey, who also holds roles outside of cycling, including as a visiting professor at Manchester Metropolitan University and president of Lancashire cricket club, remains deeply passionate about Paralympic sport. While she acknowledges progress in funding and media coverage since her first Games, she believes there is still much to improve.
“Prize money in Para-sport remains lacking, and there are areas that need development,” she said. “Coverage has vastly improved since Barcelona, but we can’t be complacent. We’ll see how much progress has been made since London 2012 in Paris.”