British Dame Laura Kenny announced her retirement from cycling on Monday 18 March. "I've enjoyed it immensely, but it's time to hang up the bike," she told the BBC. Olympic.com reports. The most decorated cyclist in Olympic history said: "It's the right time" to retire. And it comes just four months before Paris 2024. 

"The time has come. It's been on my mind for a while. The sacrifices of leaving the kids and the family at home are really big and it's a really important decision to make," she admitted to the BBC. Kenny, who is married to former cyclist Sir Jason Kenny, has two children. 

"I knew I was having those feelings at that moment, so when I told Jase, 'I don't think I want to ride a bike anymore', it was a relief," she added. As well as her five medals, she also has seven world titles to her name. Now the British cyclist is retiring and thanking the sport for everything she has experienced and enjoyed.

She did so via her Instagram network: "Thanks to cycling for everything you've given me, including a husband and our growing family! It means the world to me that I've inspired women and girls to be active and ride a bike. Thank you to Team GB, British Cycling and all the partners who have been part of my journey."

"A special thanks to all the teammates I've had over the years and of course my family who have been the best support I could have asked for. Now it's time to move on, but I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Her journey to podiums and top-level triumphs began in London. 

At London 2012, she won gold in the omnium and the team pursuit. At Rio 2016, she made history. She became the first woman to win four gold medals. At the next Games, Tokyo 2020, she teamed up with Katie Archibald to win the women's Madison, a new event at the Games. Also in Tokyo, she won a silver medal in the team pursuit.

She has won 14 European titles to add to her seven World gold medals. She also captured two golds at the Commonwealth Games. Laura Kenny wanted to be part of Paris 2024, but surprisingly, her emotions and personal wishes won out. She leaves behind a legend - one who will be hard to replace and also the most decorated female athlete in British sporting history.