Dame Laura Kenny has announced her retirement from cycling.
Dame Laura Kenny has always had a knack for lighting up any room she enters, especially when it’s a velodrome. From the moment she burst onto the scene as Laura Trott during the 2012 London Olympics, her infectious energy and talent propelled her to become the face of British Cycling’s dominance on the track.
Born prematurely with a collapsed lung and diagnosed with asthma, Laura Kenny journey into cycling began as a means to manage her breathing. Encouraged by her mother, Glenda, who took up cycling for fitness, Laura Kenny and her sister Emma found themselves drawn to the sport. While Emma pursued a career in road cycling and coaching, Laura’s trajectory led her to become one of the most celebrated track cyclists in history.
Her local track victories at Welwyn started a winning streak that eventually landed her a spot on Britain’s senior roster at just 18 years old. From there, her ascent was meteoric, culminating in her historic double gold performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where she clinched both team pursuit and omnium titles.
But Laura Kenny success story is not without its challenges. Following the London Olympics, she faced personal trials, including injuries and the birth of her son, Albie. Yet, undeterred, she set her sights on the 2016 Rio Games, where she added two more gold medals to her collection, alongside her husband Jason Kenny, another cycling champion.
Their love story, dubbed cycling’s “golden couple,” captured the public’s imagination, but behind the scenes, Laura grappled with the pressures of elite competition and the balancing act of motherhood. Despite setbacks, including a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy, Laura’s resilience shone through as she continued to excel on the track.
Her fifth Olympic gold, in the inaugural women’s Madison event at the Tokyo Games, was a testament to her enduring talent and determination. However, it was also a bittersweet moment, as she relinquished her omnium crown after a crash. Yet, true to form, Laura faced adversity head-on, speaking candidly about her struggles and using cycling as her sanctuary.
Surprising herself with a Commonwealth Gold in 2022, Laura’s retirement decision was solidified with the birth of her second son, Monty, in 2023. It was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career marked by triumphs and tribulations, but above all, by Laura’s indomitable spirit.
As she bids farewell to the velodrome, Laura leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond medals and records. She leaves behind a story of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering passion—a story that will continue to inspire generations of cyclists to come.