Dame Sarah Storey has become Britain’s most successful female Paralympian, after winning her twelfth gold medal.
Storey, who was born without a functioning left hand, rode to victory in the 3,000 metres individual pursuit, beating fellow Briton Crystal Lane.
Her latest gold medal means she has overtaken fellow Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thomson, who has 11 gold medals to her name.
Speaking of her achievements, Storey said, “Gold medal number 12. I never thought that was possible.”
“After London everyone expected I might retire. Then I had a baby and everyone definitely thought I was going to retire.”
“But I’ve gone faster today. The gap to my opposition is bigger.”
Storey began her Paralympic career as a swimmer, collecting two golds, three silvers and a bronze. In 2005, after a series of ear infection, she switched to cycling where she went on to win a further ten golds, five silvers, and two bronze.
Storey has a MBE and an OBE to her name, and following the 2012 London Olympics she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). In 2012, she was also awarded the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
After the race, Storey told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’ve not thought about being the most decorated Paralympian until two days ago, beating Tanni, but Tanni’s still a hero for me.”
“To go quicker than London after having my daughter Louisa is the icing on the cake”
“You can never underestimate anyone on the other side of the track. It is amazing and I don’t think it will sink for a very long time.”
