17 years. 6205 days. 2 sports. 4 Paralympic Games. I have raced for Great Britain 41 times in triathlon, I have won 29 times and made the podium 39 times. I love triathlon. I love the intensity and I love the challenge. I have matured as an athlete and as a young woman. Sport has provided structure, discipline and opportunities for indescribable growth and life experience. I will always push that bit further and dare to do what others doubt is possible. Since I was 11, all I have know is elite sport, my athletic career is not over by any means, but I’ve decided, along with my team, that I’d like to change direction for a short period of time to focus on other life goals. I am not injured, nor am I ill - I am actually at the top of my game, the strongest I’ve ever been. However, I feel I need a break from the sport. This decision is to allow my mind and heart to recharge and reset so I’ll be able to keep pushing forward again in the future. This was a difficult decision to make as I felt defined by my career. Lauren Steadman the athlete, the Paralympian. But there is more to me than just being an athlete, and at least for a short period, I would like to explore what that maybe. I am excited yet nervous and hold no expectations but whatever I choose to pursue I will do so with the tenacity of a Paralympic Champion. I do have some exciting new ventures to share with you soon 👀 and you’ll still see me training as I do love sports but I won’t be racing triathlon in 2022. 🇬🇧❤️