Paralympic champion and Dancing on Ice star Libby Clegg relishing new role ahead of Paris 2024

Sprinter, track cyclist and now cheerleader - Paris 2024 will be a Games like no other for Libby Clegg.

Following retirement, the 33-year-old from Stockport will be in Paris but as a passionate supporter of brother Stephen, who became the first para swimmer in his class to break 28 seconds in the men’s 50m backstroke last year.

Clegg's middle sibling James, who won bronze in the pool at London 2012, will also head to the British Swimming Championships in April with the hope of punching his ticket to the French capital.

The double Paralympic champion and Dancing on Ice star always knew Tokyo 2020 would be her last time on the Paralympic track - winning silver in the mixed 4x100m relay - and instead is embracing her new status on the sidelines.

Clegg, speaking as the official ambassador of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award ahead of Crufts 2024, said: “Paris is going to be incredible, I’m biased because my brother is going to be there and I’ve got loads of friends going.

“Stephen is definitely aiming for gold in Paris, he broke the world record last year and he’s in really good shape.

“He was so disappointed in Tokyo, he felt like he lost the gold and didn’t win a silver, I know how that feels because that’s exactly how I felt with my silver in London.

“I know he’s really hungry for it so I’ve got high hopes for him this year.

“Even though I’m not physically training myself, I feel like I’m still part of the cycle because I’m keeping up to date with everyone.

“I’m looking forward to being a supporter and a cheerleader this time. I’m like the mum now, everyone calls me when they’ve got a problem.”

Clegg tried her hand at track cycling post-Tokyo, competing for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and winning a world title.

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