Katie Archibald retired from cycling after falling ‘in love’ with nursing

Archibald went on to become one of Britain’s most decorated track cyclists and arguably Scotland’s most decorated female athlete.

A relative latecomer to the sport, Archibald didn’t join Britain’s endurance squad until he was 19 but won the European team pursuit title on his senior competitive debut.

Over the next 13 years, Archibald won 51 medals at world, European, Commonwealth and Olympic level, including two Olympic titles and a silver medal, Commonwealth gold, seven world titles and a world-leading 21 European titles.

It would have been more had he not been withdrawn from the Olympics two years later, shortly before the 2022 Birmingham Games and the event.

“I love to ride my bike,” Archibald said. “And it’s a real honor to race my bike with the best in the country.

“I’m not expecting a great legacy, but I hope to have made an impact on the people I’ve worked with.”

Currently training to be a nurse, Archibald is “absolutely in love with the whole thing”, especially because “it feels so special to have someone you can trust when they need help”.

Great Britain Cycling team performance director Stephen Park referred to his “incredible legacy” as he paid tribute.

“Katie describes herself as ‘obsessed’ with the sport and her relentless drive to pursue excellence combined with a deep passion for track cycling has led her to become one of Britain’s most decorated track cyclists,” he said.

“Katie has given cycling audiences some of the greatest moments in the sport’s history and we’re incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved on and off the bike.”