Dame Sarah Storey wins record-extending 19th Paralympic gold medal with road race success in Paris – as she bursts away from French silver medalist Heidi Gaugain in sprint finish

Dame Sarah Storey wrote another chapter in the history books by winning the women’s C4-5 road race at Paris 2024 to collect her 19th Paralympic gold.

Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian finished the 71 kilometre course in one hour, 54 minutes and 24 seconds, just ahead of French silver medallist Heidi Gaugain, while Colombian Paula Ossa took bronze.

Success for the 46-year-old secured her 30th medal across nine Games, including a British record 19 golds.

Gaugain made a break for victory in the closing stages of the race but was quickly caught by the defending champion, who punched the air after sprinting over the finish line.

She then hugged her daughter Louisa, who was watching with the rest of Storey’s family.

Speaking after her stunning victory, Storey said: ‘It’s really amazing. I’m just delighted my wheel was in front at the finish.

‘My glutes are on fire, I was creaking before the race, but that’s normal. It’s all about finding ways to manage the process and privilege of getting older as an athlete. I never envisioned eight Games, let alone nine.

‘The key is not to be afraid to lose a race, I have to trust myself and go on instinct. I just wanted to see what I had to respond. I keep finding ways to win, long may that continue.’

Reflecting on the sprint finish and dramatic ending to the race, she added: ‘The lap before the end, her coach shouted “next lap on the left”. 

‘So I had a look where we were to make sure I was ready for that. He shouted “go”, so I went too.

‘Heidi took a bit of a gap [lead] but that was fine, I had speed. It was just a matter of holding her while she accelerated from a long way out, it was the only tactic she could use because I have the faster sprint.

‘Then on the final corner, that’s when I unleashed it. She tried to come again, but I threw my bike and it was mine.’

Storey’s dramatic victory comes after she won gold on Wednesday in the cycling time trial and further enshrines her position as one of the greatest ever Para-athletes.