Laura Kenny reveals when and why she decided to retire - and the hidden heartbreak behind her success

Dame Laura Kenny, who holds the record for the most Olympic medals by a British female athlete, has shared the moment when she decided to retire from her exceptional career.

During a comprehensive conversation with Sky News, the 31-year-old athlete who has garnered five Olympic gold medals and seven world championships expressed her motives for ending her career, her most cherished athletic achievement, and her future objectives.

Additionally, she talked about how suffering a miscarriage in November of this year and then needing emergency surgery two months later due to an ectopic pregnancy, had affected her.

After announcing her retirement on Monday, the 31-year-old stated on Instagram that it was "time to move on."

During her conversation with Wilfred Frost, a Sky News host, Dame Laura explained that the arrival of her second child was one of the main reasons behind her choice. She is married to Sir Jason Kenny, a former cyclist who is considered the most accomplished Olympian in Britain, and they have two children together.

This is what she expressed:

Regarding the response to her retirement...

To be frank, it has been quite a lot to handle. Nonetheless, I'm truly appreciative of all the support that has been given to me ever since I announced that I am quitting.

When you announce that you're retiring, it makes me feel old, like I'm already 60 years old or more. It reminds me of my father who retired two years ago.

"It's a bit unusual, but the outcome is unpredictable - some individuals may be disappointed - nonetheless, it has been an amazing experience, to be honest."

When did she decide to retire?

I made my decision only a week and a half ago. At that time, I was still undergoing training."

"I reached a clear conclusion when I called my agent and said, 'I believe I should make the announcement now'."

Honestly, this has been on my mind for some time now. When I had my second child, Monty, I knew that preparing for the Paris Olympics would be an enormous challenge.

This time, my mindset was completely different. With my first child, I was fully dedicated and determined to succeed. I put my all into it and it was my top priority.

When Monty arrived, I found that I didn't want the grandparents to take care of him. Instead, I wanted to take care of him myself, and it felt completely new to me.

I've had a gut feeling for a while now that... I never really believed I had what it takes to compete in the Olympics, but I had a small hope of making it to a World Championships instead.

Later on, I had a realization that I wasn't completely devoted to this task. This was not like me as a sportsperson because ordinarily, I've always been wholeheartedly committed to my endeavors.

I didn't want to be a burden to anyone and eventually, I began to experience dreadful sensations of "I must attend a race, I must abandon my children. I must participate in those training sessions." However, I didn't feel like doing any of it, and these were the cautionary indications.

Regarding whether the family holds greater significance than sports...

Definitely, absolutely. Honestly, I have a sense that I was raised with that attitude. My parents consistently prioritized my sister and me.

For a long time, being a mother was a strong desire of mine. However, I experienced immense pain when I faced difficulties such as not being able to conceive a second child, enduring a miscarriage, and going through an ectopic pregnancy.

"I believe that my way of thinking really transformed. Having kids is not something that we are entitled to, but rather a great honor. Therefore, my perspectives on raising my children altered dramatically."

The question of whether it's more challenging to make a comeback to professional athletics after becoming a mother...

Clearly, Jason and I can make a comparison since we have both returned for Tokyo.

I believe the recoveries regarding my physique and the real uphill battle that I had to face to restore it to its pre-pregnancy state were vastly distinct.

However, when it comes to emotions, I believe that both of us have been equally affected by it. Nevertheless, I would dare to say that Jason has had a tougher time dealing with it.

Expressing this sentiment is actually a challenge since people tend to assume that as the mother, Laura must face greater difficulty in leaving behind Monty.

Personally, I believe that Jason may have faced similar difficulties, if not even more challenging ones behind the scenes. The reason being, nobody bothered to inquire about his well-being.

Regarding the possibility of her oldest son not pursuing the same path as her...

Albie is only six years old and he enjoys participating in various sports like football, trampoline and tennis. He is quite versatile when it comes to physical activities.

At the moment, he's not fond of biking. He truly despises it. It's rather uncomfortable, and he has a valid point.

It's quite amusing actually, as I observe him, he lacks the ability to ruthlessly succeed. The drive and determination that Jason and I possess are absent in him.

I am attempting to provide support from the sidelines to my child, without being too forceful or controlling. I strongly dislike the idea of being an overly demanding parent.

I have observed numerous parents at soccer matches, continuously yelling at their young children. In my opinion, this behavior is extremely unpleasant. These kids are merely six or seven years old. They should be allowed to enjoy their childhood without unnecessary pressure.

When considering if the fame was worthy of the agony...

In my opinion, the greatest challenge I faced was the need to constantly portray a perfect image of my life, with no room for imperfections.

While I was preparing for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, I had a hidden desire to have another child. However, as I arrived at the track, I found myself only knowing how to ride a bike due to my previous experience.

Jason and I came to the realization that there needs to be a clear distinction between our personal life at home and our professional life at the track. When we arrive at the track, our sole focus and identity should be as a bike rider.

It was a difficult period. Looking back on it now, I realize that it was worth the struggle. However, during that time, I had to push through some of the toughest mental challenges in my career. I give myself credit for persevering through it all.

"I was able to participate in the Commonwealth Games despite the severity of the situation at home going unnoticed by others."

Regarding the sport moment she loves the most...

When it comes to the emotional fight during the Commonwealth Games, there's one experience that will always hold a special place in my heart and that's the very first one I participated in back in 2012 - which happened to be hosted in London, my home city.

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It resembled another thing entirely. I struggle to convey the experience accurately as it was simply incredible.

In my opinion, we have been gradually improving ever since the Beijing Olympics where British Cycling achieved something remarkable. Therefore, I believe we were already heading towards betterment.

In my opinion, the events that occurred during the London 2012 Olympics, not only in cycling but in all sports, brought attention to and increased participation in sport as it was broadcasted on everyone's television screens.

Upon reviewing her most treasured moment...

I'd definitely give it a watch. To be honest, I'm constantly being shown different games by others.

To be truthful, if it were possible for me to travel back in time and experience those two weeks once again, I would not hesitate to do so a hundred times over.

Regarding the difficulty of tuning in to the Paris Olympics...

I was asked this yesterday, and at first, I had thought that perhaps it could be true.

"However, I have been absent for some time. It seems that I have been removed from the situation long enough to be content with it now."

Regarding her future plans...

Whenever you ride your bike, you have the thought that you are motivating the upcoming generation.

Personally, my focus has always been on returning the favor or doing good in some way."

I've always looked up to people like Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton. They've made a difference in the world, and I want to follow in their footsteps. Specifically, I want to focus on helping the youth of today. That's where my passion lies.

Jason and I were able to attain a certain level, which can be achieved by adolescents aged 13 to 14.