In 2005, Bailey transitioned to cycling after an ear infection halted her swimming career. Her husband, Barney Storey, who has won three Paralympic gold medals as a pilot for vision-impaired cyclists, coaches her. Together, they founded Storey Racing in 2017.

Paralympic Achievements

Bailey is Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian with 17 gold medals and a total of 28 medals as of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. She is the only athlete to have won a medal at all eight editions of the Paralympic Games from Barcelona 1992 to Tokyo 2020.

Recognition and Awards

Bailey's achievements have earned her numerous accolades. In 2020, she was named Disability Sportswoman of the Year by The Sunday Times. She was also named Para Sportsperson of the Decade by the Daily Telegraph for the period between 2010 and 2019.

In 2015, a section of road in Stockport was renamed Storey's Way in her honour. She was named a Dame in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2012 and received the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award in 2008. In 1998, she was named Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) and later Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) after her success at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Ninth Paralympic Appearance

Bailey is set to make her ninth Paralympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games. Her son Charlie's desire to watch her compete again motivated her to continue. "Charlie said after Tokyo, 'I want to watch you at the Paralympics mum,' and I'm like, 'Oh, okay, here we go again,'" she said.

Future Ambitions

Bailey aims to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She remains focused on achieving top results and will decide on her future based on her performance in Paris. "I'll be focused entirely on Paris and the results will help me make a decision as to what's next," she stated.

Other Activities

Beyond her athletic career, Bailey has been active in sports governance. She was elected to the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council in September 2016. She has also served on the International Cycling Union Athletes' Commission and the UCI Para Cycling Commission.

Bailey's philosophy is simple yet profound: "My biggest motivation is to enjoy what I do while trying to find the best version of me on a bike." Her dedication and passion continue to inspire many in the sports community.