Laura Kenny: Emotional and family sacrifices too much to continue pro cycling into Paris Olympics

Laura Kenny, who is the most successful female Olympian from Britain, spoke to Sky Sports about why she chose to retire from competitive cycling before the upcoming Paris Olympics. She explained that she reached this decision because of the overwhelming emotional toll of separating from her family.

During her remarkable journey, Kenny achieved a stunning feat, earning five Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles. She is also happily wed to Jason Kenny, a retired cyclist and Britain's most accomplished Olympian.

Last July, the woman who is 31 years old now had her second son, and she won't participate in the Olympics of 2024 in Paris, set to commence on July 26.

Kenny had a conversation with Sky Sports News on Tuesday and shared that the arrival of her second child changed her thought process. This was the primary cause for her choice to retire.

"The children have to sacrifice their time at home, and it needs to be worth it," expressed Kenny.

"When I became a parent to Albie, I was completely committed to participating in another Olympic Games and my ultimate goal was to win another gold medal. I was fully dedicated and determined to achieve my objective."

This time around, having Monty by my side had a significant impact on how I view things. The trade-off is now too significant for me to consider making.

To be completely truthful, the year leading up to the Commonwealth Games proved to be a tremendous challenge for my mental fortitude. I had to tap into the deepest reserves of my inner strength to push through.

I was extremely tired and fatigued, and this past year has taken a lot out of me.

I am unable to make the emotional sacrifice of parting ways with them. The impact it has on my feelings is unbearable.

Reflecting on her remarkable professional journey, Kenny acknowledges that staying at the pinnacle of sports demands complete self-centeredness.

She is confident that she will have no trouble keeping up with the Paris Olympics when they take place later this year, even though she will be watching from a distance.

As an athlete, you must be completely selfish to attain success. Kenny expressed his belief that it's impossible to achieve victory if you don't have a wholehearted commitment to the sport.

Avoiding birthday celebrations and declining the opportunity to travel to meet someone because my fitness regimen holds greater importance to me. You share a similar perspective and I've embraced this way of life for the past 12 years.

Many individuals have inquired about whether it will be challenging to view the Paris Olympics, yet I don't believe it will be.

As I have been absent for a short period, owing to my pregnancy with my second son, I viewed the Nations Cup and the World Championships.

"Since I've kept an eye on them, I believe I have already encountered the feeling of being left out."

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