Paralympic cycling champion Sophie Thornhill has announced her retirement from the sport following the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

The 24 year-old, who is visually impaired, is a 13-time world champion and four-time Commonwealth Games champion in the Tandem B kilo and pursuit with pilot Helen Scott, and previous pilot Rachel James. 

She also won gold and bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Thornhill announced the news on social media and wrote: "My plan was always to retire after Tokyo, so when the dates changed, I had a really difficult decision to make.

“After a lot of thought and support, I am ready to move onto the next chapter of my life and focus my energy on another of my passions.”

The star is set to begin her history degree at Manchester Metropolitan University from September. 

Six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy said: “Congratulations on a fantastic career, good luck in the future!”

Scott also wished her the best, adding: “It’s been one hell of a RIDE! Thank you, Soph, for giving me some of the best days of my life. Together, we did it all. I’ll miss my partner in crime.”