FEATURE

Triple Paralympic medallist announces retirement

By Paralympics New Zealand

Triple Paralympic medallist Phillipa Gray has brought an end to her outstanding Para-Cycling career. 

The 26 year old is well known for her performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games that saw her (along with pilot Laura Thompson) achieve the trifecta – gold, silver and bronze medals.  To top this off they also broke the world record in the 3000m Pursuit.

Most recently Phillipa won a Silver and Bronze medal at the 2014 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships with her pilot Kylie Young.

Phillipa started Para-Cycling through the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Talent Identification programme Xccelerate 2 Xcellence.  Prior to this Phillipa was a student who was a competitive rower and had previously competed in athletics and swimming at blind sport events.

Off the bike Phillipa recently started her own massage business called Phillipa Gray Massage Therapy based in Cambridge.

Phillipa Gray said, “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make however after time away from the bike and much reflection I have decided retirement is the best decision for me.”  She continues, “I have a degenerative condition and the recent decline in my vision has made it very difficult for me to meet the expectations and performance levels required of a high performance athlete.”

Phillipa believes her retirement will enable her to preserve the vision she has left to achieve the numerous career and personal ambitions she has for the future.

Phillipa has thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Para-Cycling High Performance programme and has learnt a lot from her experiences as a Para-Cyclist.  She will take them with her to the next chapter of her life.

“I am looking forward to giving back to sport in a supporting role.  I hope to achieve this as my massage business grows.”

Phillipa feels privileged to have had the support of some amazing individuals and organisations.  “First and foremost I would like to thank the PNZ Para-Cycling Head Performance Coach Brendon Cameron.  He has taken the Para-Cycling programme from strength to strength, to a High Performance programme to be proud of.”  She continues, “Organisations such as HPSNZ, Sky Next, Phonak, Pure, Steve Jo have been critical to my success.  And cannot thank my family and friends enough.”

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) thanks Phillipa for her inspirational performances and wishes her all the best for her future endeavours.



Notes:
• As a visually impaired Para-Cyclist Phillipa rode at the back of a tandem bike with a pilot at the front.