Dame Sarah Storey

Great Britain’s Greatest Paralympian, Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Director of Team Storey Sport Limited & Active Travel Commissioner for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Sarah Storey’s Biography:

Dame Sarah Storey is Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, with a record-breaking 19 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals across nine consecutive Paralympic Games. She began her extraordinary sporting career at just 14, competing in swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Over her years in the pool, she claimed international medals in all four strokes before switching to cycling, where her versatility flourished once again. Sarah went on to win national titles and international medals across a wide range of track and road disciplines, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in British sporting history. Following her four-gold triumph at London 2012, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours.

Alongside her competitive success, Sarah has built a multifaceted career that extends far beyond sport. Since graduating from university and overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome, she has balanced elite training with a passion for helping others realise their potential. Through keynote speaking, mentoring, and media work, she shares her high-performance ethos and experience of resilience. Her roles have included team owner, sports analyst, and television presenter, with commentary for the BBC at major championships and as presenter of Channel 4’s Meet the Paralympians in 2023. As the Academy Principal of the Škoda UK Cycling Academy, she continues to guide young riders and future champions.

Sarah’s leadership extends into public policy and advocacy. In 2019, she was appointed Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire, later taking up the same post in Greater Manchester in 2022. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director for the Department for Transport, where she champions safer, more inclusive access to cycling and sustainable transport. Her efforts have made her a key voice in shaping the UK’s approach to active mobility, working closely with local authorities and national stakeholders to encourage healthier, more accessible communities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah remains committed to charitable work as a patron of several organisations, including Boot Out Breast Cancer, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, and Sreepur Village. She continues to motivate audiences of all ages through her adaptable, solution-driven speaking style, drawing on three decades of experience at the highest level of sport and leadership. Whether inspiring young people or advising teams in business, Dame Sarah Storey embodies resilience, dedication, and the power of continuous growth.

Why Hire Sarah Storey?

Dame Sarah Storey is hired as a keynote speaker for her rare ability to connect elite sporting achievement with real-world lessons on performance, resilience, and leadership. With experience spanning sport, media, and public service, she brings a practical understanding of what it takes to excel under pressure and sustain success over time. Having competed in nine consecutive Paralympic Games and led teams on and off the track, Sarah speaks with authority on drive, determination, and teamwork. Her insights go beyond sport, offering valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, maintaining focus, and inspiring peak performance within any organisation.

Sarah’s speaking experience covers major national and international conferences, as well as online seminars and internal engagement events. Her adaptability and authenticity resonate with audiences across industries, from corporate leaders to educators and community groups. Companies such as Birdseye and the Solace Group have invited her to share her story of perseverance and purpose, recognising her ability to motivate teams and spark meaningful change. Whether discussing leadership, mindset, or the spirit of the Olympics, Dame Sarah Storey’s talks leave audiences energised and equipped with clear strategies for unlocking their own potential.

Sarah Storey’s Career Highlights:

Below is a selection of key moments that define Dame Sarah Storey’s remarkable career in sport, leadership, and public service:

• 2025 – Dame Sarah Storey was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards, recognising her exceptional career and impact in para-cycling and para-swimming.
• 2024 – Appointed Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University
• 2023 – Presented Channel 4’s Meet the Paralympians television series
• 2022 – Became Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• 2021 – Appointed Non-Executive Director of the Department for Transport
• 2019 – Founded Storey Racing Limited and became Academy Principal of the Škoda UK Cycling Academy
• 2019 – Appointed Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
• 2013 – Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours
• 2012 – Won four gold medals at the London Paralympic Games, becoming Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian at the time
• 2009 – Became Director of Team Storey Sport Limited, promoting performance and participation in cycling
• 1992 – Made her Paralympic debut for Great Britain in swimming at the Barcelona Games, aged 14