Conference Presentation, Fireside Chat
Dame Sarah Storey on winning her 19th Paralympic gold medal
- Expects world record and world time count figures to rise further by the conclusion of the current session.
- Predicts that winning will become increasingly satisfying as competitive pressure and external expectations grow.
- Recalls a 2008 transition from swimming to cycling after a coaching prediction that she would be "too old" to compete by 2012.
- States that government athlete funding real value has declined to approximately 40% of its 2008 level since then, necessitating greater entrepreneurialism.
- Notes that the International Cycling Union's decision to separate World Championships broadcasting rights post-Paris Games reduced UK TV coverage compared to the Paralympics.
- Predicts that without speculative investment in Paralympic cycling, track rider opportunities will remain limited to five races every four years (World Championships and Paralympic Games).
- Anticipates physiological training adjustments due to perimenopause and menopause, specifically shifting from high-intensity intervals to zone two work.
- Currently participates in "Dancing on Ice" as a preparatory step before making a calculated decision regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
- Plans to create commemorative pouches for future host cities, needing to decide on naming conventions for upcoming destinations including Athens, Atlanta, Barcelona, and Beijing.
- Projects that competition in the 2028 Games is contingent upon the successful completion of the "Dancing on Ice" run.