What's happened
Dame Sarah Storey secured her 19th Paralympic gold medal in the women's C4-5 road race at the Paris 2024 Games, narrowly defeating 19-year-old Heidi Gaugain. Storey's victory adds to her record as Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, raising questions about her potential participation in future Games.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Ed Elliot from The Independent, Storey expressed her delight at winning but also emphasized the need for better representation in race lengths, stating, "Having fought so hard for parity in women's cycling, to not have it in Para cycling... is a real disappointment." The Guardian echoed this sentiment, noting that Storey's victory was hard-earned, as she narrowly defeated Gaugain by just half a wheel. The Japan Times highlighted Storey's earlier criticism of the time trial course, calling it 'appalling' and underscoring the ongoing debate about gender equality in sports. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the dual narrative of celebration and critique surrounding Storey's achievements.
How we got here
Sarah Storey, a veteran athlete, has competed in nine Paralympic Games, transitioning from swimming to cycling. Her recent performances have highlighted both her dominance in the sport and ongoing issues regarding gender equality in event distances.
Common question
-
Why Did Dame Sarah Storey Criticize the Course Length in the Paralympics?
Dame Sarah Storey's recent victory in the women's C5 time trial at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has sparked a significant conversation about gender equality in parasport. While Storey celebrated her 18th gold medal, she raised concerns over the course length, which was notably shorter than the men's event. This discrepancy has led to broader discussions about the implications for female athletes in parasport and the challenges they face.
-
What are the major controversies at the Paris 2024 Paralympics?
The Paris 2024 Paralympics have already sparked discussions around gender equality and course standards. With athletes like Dame Sarah Storey voicing their concerns, many are left wondering how these issues will impact the games and the athletes involved. Below, we explore the key controversies and highlights of this year's event.
-
What Does Dame Sarah Storey's Latest Gold Medal Mean for Her Career?
Dame Sarah Storey has made headlines once again by securing her 19th Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. This remarkable achievement not only cements her status as Britain's most successful Paralympian but also raises questions about her future in the sport. What does this victory signify for her career, and what challenges lie ahead as she looks towards the Los Angeles 2028 Games?
-
What Does Sarah Storey's 19th Paralympic Gold Medal Mean for Her Career?
Dame Sarah Storey has made history by winning her 19th gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, solidifying her status as Great Britain's most successful Paralympian. This remarkable achievement raises questions about her legacy, future plans, and the ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality in sports. Below, we explore some common queries related to Storey's incredible journey and what lies ahead for this iconic athlete.
More on these topics
-
Dame Sarah Joanne Storey, DBE is a British Paralympic cyclist and former swimmer. She is a multiple gold medal winner at the Paralympic Games in both sports, and six times British national track champion.
-
The Paralympic Games or Paralympics are a periodic series of international multi-sport events involving athletes with a range of disabilities, including impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, sho