Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian, has decided to step back from international events immediately.

The 48-year-old cyclist chose not to aim for Los Angeles 2028 so she can concentrate on boosting Para-sport overall.

With 19 Paralympic titles, she believes the discipline has lost some drive since London 2012 and that several issues still require focus.

"The periods between Games have not been used effectively to build the progress that I and others wanted to see," she noted.

"This feels like a pivotal moment; many parts of Para-sport still need work, and that has heavily influenced my choice.

"I am convinced I can achieve more away from competition instead of pursuing a tenth Games and extra medals.

"I look forward to helping create the drive required for a strong future for every Para-athlete."

Storey launched her career in swimming and appeared at four Games before moving to cycling, where she collected 30 Paralympic medals over nine appearances, among them four golds in London 2012.

World Athletics president Lord Coe, former chair of the London organising committee, remarked: "Para-sport formed a vital element of London 2012 and I remain very proud of what was accomplished.

"Yet the points Dame Sarah highlights on her retirement strike a strong chord with me - sport needs to keep advancing steadily so past gains are not lost."

Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission at ParalympicsGB, stated: "Sarah Storey has been an outstanding athlete who rose above the sport and served as a fine ambassador for ParalympicsGB.

"Her influence extends beyond competition, as she has led efforts to grow the Paralympic movement here, and I am pleased she will stay involved in its ongoing progress."

Born without full use of her left hand, Storey began competing at age 14 in 1992 and earned 16 swimming medals across four Games, five of them gold.

After missing much of 2005 to ear infections, she took up cycling and switched fully before Beijing 2008, claiming the first of her 14 cycling golds.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, winner of 11 Paralympic golds in wheelchair racing, first encountered Storey at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

"I always felt her swimming years were a bridge - she excelled in the pool, yet cycling was where she truly shone," the Paralympic icon told BBC 5 Live.

"Few athletes successfully switch sports like that."

In 2010, Storey became only the second Para-athlete to face non-disabled rivals at the Commonwealth Games, placing sixth for England in the individual pursuit.

"I feel fortunate to have competed internationally for 35 years," Storey reflected.

"I still marvel that my childhood goal of being an athlete for as long as possible resulted in nine Paralympic Games and chances in many events.

"This covered both women's and Para-sport, and I am proud to have helped - with many others - drive the advances we have seen."

Andy Cook, interim chair of British Cycling, noted that one of Storey's key qualities is her commitment to grassroots cycling.

"Her readiness to support riders at all levels and inspire others will form a lasting part of her legacy," he said.

Grey-Thompson highlighted Storey's motivation as her standout trait.

"What set Sarah apart was her resolve," the 56-year-old said.

"Her drive to give everything, train intensely and wisely, take pride in representing Britain and keep raising standards.

"After London 2012 she could have retired at any time and declared herself the most decorated British Paralympian, yet she kept pushing ahead. That quality is rare."

Storey's last eight Paralympic titles came after becoming a mother, following the births of daughter Louisa in 2013 and son Charlie in 2017.

"Physically, I know I could line up in Los Angeles ready to defend my two Paris titles," she added.

"Still, I now see greater value in new roles that let me champion Para-sport and the attention it merits."

Great Britain Cycling Team performance director Stephen Park observed: "Sarah's career has been remarkable; the most successful British Paralympian ever - little more needs saying."