In a recent announcement by British Cycling’s Performance Director Stephen Park, it was revealed that the chances of five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny being able to participate in the upcoming Paris Games are becoming increasingly slim. The 31-year-old has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a miscarriage in 2021, surgery due to an ectopic pregnancy in 2022, and the birth of her second child last year.
Despite expressing her desire to compete in Paris, Kenny has not competed since the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and time is running out as the 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
“She has a slim chance of being in Paris,” Park stated during a briefing in Manchester. He emphasized the need for Kenny to prove her competitiveness and secure the necessary UCI points to qualify for the team.
Participating in the Nations Cup event in Milton, Canada next month is seen as a crucial step for Kenny to remain in contention for selection, but currently, she is training independently from the rest of the British team.
Park mentioned the ongoing support provided to Kenny as she navigates her return to training, with her sights set on potentially competing in the world championships in Denmark in October. However, the clock is ticking for Kenny to make a clear decision about her Olympic aspirations.
Kenny’s track record as a dominant force in women’s track endurance racing is undeniable, with a remarkable track record that includes gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, as well as a memorable gold in the madison event at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
As a seven-time world champion and 14-time European champion, Kenny’s experience and expertise in the sport are unparalleled. One potential lifeline could be an exemption from the UCI, the sport’s governing body, as they have shown willingness to make exceptions in certain cases.
“She would need to go to Milton unless the UCI made some exemption, which there is the potential for as they seem to be keen to make exceptions for people,” Park acknowledged.
While the road to the Paris Games may be challenging for Kenny, her determination and commitment to the sport have been evident throughout her career. Her decision in the coming weeks will determine whether she can add another chapter to her illustrious Olympic legacy.
With the support of British Cycling and her own resolve, Kenny remains hopeful about her prospects in the upcoming competitions, but the reality of the situation is that time is running out for her to secure a spot on the team for the Paris Games.
As preparations intensify for the world championships and the Olympics, all eyes will be on Kenny as she faces one of the toughest challenges of her career. Her undeniable talent and track record speak for themselves, but the ultimate decision lies in her hands as she navigates this critical juncture in her Olympic journey.
