Henry rounded off the podium in the women’s 100 metres butterfly and 400m freestyle S13 events at Athens 2004 before going on to become world champion in the former six years later.

After failing to pick up a medal at London 2012, Henry took up cycling and joined the British Cycling Paralympic Academy programme.

Competing as a visually-impaired rider as part of a tandem pairing, Henry made her debut alongside Fiona Duncan at the 2013 Tandem Tour of Belgium, finishing sixth and helping team mates Lora Turnham and Corinne Hall to victory.

Henry represented Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, riding with pilot Rachel James.

She switched to triathlon earlier this year by winning her first international race with guide Nicole Walters - the PT5 category at the International Triathlon Union event in South Africa. 

“I am incredibly proud to have achieved so much throughout my career and I will always treasure the experiences I have had,” Henry told Wales Online.

“Retiring is never an easy decision for any athlete and I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received in my transition from both Disability Sport Wales and UK Sport.

“I wanted to be able to say thank you to all those many people who have helped me along the way.

"Firstly I have to thank my friends and family who have supported me through the highs and lows that sport brings.

“Coaches have played a huge part in my career and I will never forget the work they have put in for me over the years.

“I owe a huge amount to all those coaches who coached me from grass roots up, and gave up their valuable time to help me achieve my dreams.

“My team mates have provided me with invaluable support and I leave the world of competitive sport with some lifelong friendships.”

“Rhiannon has worked extremely hard over her long international career and has been an inspiration to many up and coming athletes," Jon Morgan, executive director for Disability Sport Wales, told Wales Online.

"Her dedication to Paralympic sport, domestic and international, is second to none and I’m sure she will use that experience to influence and guide others for many years to come.”

Henry will now work with Sports for Schools and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust as an athlete mentor as she aims to develop her coaching ability in the sports she has competed in and inspire children to get involved in sport. 

The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, named after the double Olympic champion, supports athletes as they make the transition from sport, and uses their unique skills to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people through their mentoring programmes

“I know what it’s like to be an athlete and will also offer any personal support that I can to other athletes to help them on their journey to the podium,” said Henry,

“I am passionate about supporting and promoting sport for all and hope that my sporting journey will inspire others in some way.

“It is now time for me to give something back to sport and those people who have given so much to me over the years.”


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