Dame Sarah Storey's sparkling career has just reached another gear – she's swapping her bike for a broadcasting seat! The 19-time Paralympic champion is trading in competitive cycling for life as a presenter and pundit with TNT Sports, bringing her trademark expertise to the Commonwealth Games from Glasgow 2026. Just two weeks on from announcing her retirement, Storey's already gearing up to give fans the inside track on the action.
Storey knows a thing or two about Glasgow – she first represented Britain as a swimmer in Manchester in 2002, and the city has always held a special place in her heart. "Glasgow's got it all," she gushes. "Fantastic crowds, world-class facilities... this is going to be an event for the ages!" And she should know – Storey's witnessed some of the greatest moments in Commonwealth Games history.
For Dame Sarah, it's not just about looking back; it's about forging a brighter future for para-sport. Since her early days competing as a swimmer, she's seen tremendous progress in making parasport an integral part of the Commonwealth Games. "It's been an incredible journey," Storey reflects. "From limited opportunities to being fully integrated – we've made huge strides!" And she believes there's still more to come: "World Championships should follow suit and give para-athletes their rightful place alongside able-bodied competitors."
The road to Glasgow 2026 hasn't been straightforward, though. Original host Victoria had to pull out due to financial woes, leaving the baton in Glasgow's capable hands. But Storey sees it as an opportunity for the Games to reboot and redefine itself – with a snappier programme featuring just 10 sports instead of 17. This is her chance to shine, and she's not going to let it slip.
So what can viewers expect from TNT Sports' coverage? Storey assures them that para- and able-bodied events will get the same level of attention – no distinction here! The pundits will be the same, but with a nod to classification names for parasport. "We're not just about inclusivity – we're about celebrating every athlete's achievements," she says, summing up the Commonwealth Games' inclusive spirit in one sentence.