Three-time Paralympic champion and four-time Commonwealth medallist Aileen McGlynn has announced her retirement from cycling after reaching the highest level in the sport.  

It’s been a whirlwind journey for 49-year-old McGlynn. Finding a passion for cycling as a youngster, she never expected to be spending her life navigating through the sport. 

That was until 2002, when she eagerly watched Sir Chris Hoy achieve his medal at the Commonwealth Games.  

This success sparked an intriguing thought for Aileen, who wondered if she could ever follow in the same footsteps.  

A visually impaired athlete, she had never been introduced to the vast representation in para-cycling. She conducted some research, reached out to British Cycling, and attended a trial day in Manchester.  

After a few days on the track, she was breaking world records, asserting herself as a key member of the GB squad.  

From here on out, Aileen’s talent continued to grow and develop. 

She competed in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympics, earning impressive accolades at both.  

Scottish-born McGlynn represented her nation at various Commonwealth Games.  

Picture: SW Pix.

Most recently, she attended the Birmingham 2022 Games along with pilot Ellie Stone and won the silver medal in the Sprint and bronze in the Time Trial.  

Originally from the northern third of Great Britain, Aileen moved to Mossley when her cycling career began to take off.  

Here, she enjoyed exploring the picturesque Tameside beauty spots, travelling miles on her bike while doing so.  

But now, after more than 20 years in the sport, Aileen McGlynn has announced she is to retire from the sport.  

Having succeeded to not only qualify for the squad in 2020, but earn a medal in Tokyo, Aileen felt as if she had achieved everything she wanted to in the sport.  

Aileen was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2006 after her achievements at Athens 2004, before becoming an Officer of the British Empire in 2009.  

A prominent figure in para-cycling for over a decade, Aileen has set the standards for the future of cycling, which looks to be in safe hands. 

In recent years, Team England have proven to be one of the strongest nations across the cycling events.  

Their 2022 programme opened with a bang on day one of racing with four medals won in the team events. Laura Kenny led the Women’s Team Pursuit squad to a bronze medal, while the Men’s Team Pursuit squad took home silver.  

More medal success came for the Para Track athletes in the Women’s Tandem B 1000m Time Trial, where they took a silver.  

In the past cycling has taken place across three different disciplines; track, road, and mountain biking. In addition to these, Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will see an introduction of a fourth discipline, BMX.  

As Aileen hangs up her helmet for the final time, this new generation of British cyclists are looking to take the sport in a new direction. 

Locally, para-cyclist Ben Watson has turned heads, becoming a Paralympic Champion at the Tokyo 2020 Games.  

He aims to make a grand return in Paris next summer, where a plethora of athletes will gather to prove they are the best in their sport.  

Posting on her Twitter, Aileen said, “the past 20 years have been a rollercoaster ride, but the positive experiences outweigh the negative ones.  

“Thank you to the people who have helped me along the way.” 

Despite retiring from professional cycling, Aileen loves to ride her bike and will continue to travel around Mossley and the surrounding areas.

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside or Glossop?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk. 

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