Sarah Storey Wins Record-Extending 19th Paralympic Gold
British Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey has extended her record as the highest gold-winning British Paralympic athlete after winning her 19th Paralympic gold on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the age of 46.
Storey beat French teenager Heidi Gaugain in the final of the women’s cycling road race in Paris to bring her total Paralympic medal to 30.
She first competed in the Paralympic Games at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain, and has not ruled out the possibility of competing at the age of 50 in Los Angeles come 2028.
Quizzed on the possibility of competing in Los Angeles, she said, “Who knows? Never say never to anything. I need to enjoy this first.”
“This just needs to sink in because it was one of the most exciting races that we’ve had, and from the word go, it was full gas. I’m just thankful that my wheel was in front at the finish.”
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Commenting on how she beat Gaugain despite recording an identical time of one hour, 54 minutes, and 24 seconds, Storey said: “The lap before, a coach of hers shouted from the other side of the road, ‘next lap on the left’.”
“He shouted ‘go’ and I went, too.
“It was just a matter of holding her while she continued her acceleration; it was a long way out. It was the only tactic she could use because I have the fastest sprint.
“The key is not to be afraid to lose a bike race. I’m not afraid to lose. I have to trust myself and not overthink things; I just go on instinct sometimes. I just wanted to see how I had to respond.
“You put yourself out there every time you get on the start line, and I keep doing that and keep finding ways to win a bike race; so long may that continue.”
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