British athlete Sarah Storey announced her retirement from international competition on Thursday, ruling out her participation in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The 48-year-old, who began her Paralympic career in swimming before switching to cycling, retires with 30 Paralympic medals won across nine Games, making her the most successful British Paralympian of all time. Storey said in a statement: 'I am incredibly lucky to have spent 35 years as an international athlete. I can hardly believe that my childhood dream of being an athlete for as long as possible has led me to participate in nine Paralympic Games and given me opportunities across many sporting events.' Storey won five Paralympic gold medals in swimming before adding another 14 golds in cycling. She explained that her decision to step away was not driven by physical limitations but by a desire to take on a broader role in developing Paralympic sports. She continued: 'I have full confidence in my ability to stand at the start line in Los Angeles, and I am sure I could defend the two titles I won in Paris. However, I believe I can now make a more positive impact by leveraging new roles and opportunities that allow me to advocate for Paralympic sport and the media coverage it deserves.'