Team GB’s most successful Olympian Jason Kenny retires aged 33 after incredible SEVEN gold medals in cycling
TEAM GB’S most successful ever Olympian Jason Kenny has retired from cycling, aged 33.
The Bolton-born rider, who won SEVEN gold medals at four different Games between 2008 and 2021, has accepted a coaching role with British Cycling.
Jason, married to five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny, won team sprint gold in Beijing 14 years ago at the age of 20.
He then repeated the feat at London 2012 and also claimed the individual sprint title.
Kenny went one better at Rio 2016 as he scooped three Olympic golds – dominating the individual sprint, team sprint and keirin.
He did not head into the Tokyo Games last year in the best form, but exceeded expectations again as he claimed a seventh gold in the keirin.
In perhaps his most impressive Olympic performance, Kenny caught the rest of the field napping as he set off with more than three laps to go and held on for victory.
Along the way, he also picked up two silver medals – in the sprint in Beijing and the team sprint in Tokyo.
LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS
He had spoken about the possibility of continuing until Paris 2024 – by which time he will be 36 – but has instead decided to retire now.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “A massive part of me would love to continue and try to get to Paris and I’m a little bit sad in a way to not do that.
“The opportunity at British Cycling to be a coach might not be there in three years. I thought I’d take it now.”
He went on to add: “I’m really sad. It’s all I’ve ever known is racing and training.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON ANY SPORTING EVENT TODAY
“I’m sad on that front but excited to start this new journey.
“It’s a step into the unknown. I’ve worked with amazing coaches and I’m trying to unlock my memories of what I remember as a rider and what I liked.”
Meanwhile, Laura, 29, is set to continue until at least the Paris Games as she looks to add to her tally of five golds and one silver.