Dame Laura Kenny has been revealed as a new columnist for the Guardian for the 2024 Olympic Games, writing regular columns from Paris
Kenny is the most successful British female Olympian ever, winning five gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games for Team GB, at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She was made a dame in the New Year’s Honours list of 2022. She retired in March after a storied career in track and road cycling.
In an interview with the Guardian, Kenny talks candidly about her career, her miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy and why she has always been prepared to tell it like she sees it. “Being able to speak out has been my biggest tool throughout my career,” Laura says in the interview. “Whether talking to a coach, a team-mate or the media, I’ve always told them straight how I’m feeling.”
Kenny says: “Paris 2024 is going to be a very different Games for me, as it is going to be my first Summer Olympics since retiring, so I’ll have to get used to watching again rather than competing!
“I’m really excited to be taking Guardian readers into the heart of the action over the course of the two weeks, by talking all things cycling, the Olympics, Team GB and other issues close to my heart through my very own column.”
Will Woodward, head of sport, Guardian News & Media says: “We are delighted to welcome Laura to the Guardian for the Olympics. As one of the all-time great Olympians we couldn’t have a better columnist. We look forward to her navigating readers through the excitement of competing at an Olympics, and what it takes to succeed at the very highest level.
“The Olympics are a marquee event for the Guardian and we will use it to showcase our commitment to European and women’s sport, featuring some of the finest sports writers around.”
After the Olympics, the Guardian will offer full coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games (28 August-8 September), with sports writers Paul MacInnes and Tanya Aldred, Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis, daily liveblogs, and a comprehensive medals and results service. Ade Adepitan, the TV presenter and Paralympian, will also return to the Guardian to give his expert take on events in Paris.
Read more about Kenny here.
