Double Rio 2016 Paralympic medallist Emma Foy of New Zealand has decided to take a break from cycling ©Getty Images

Double Rio 2016 Paralympic medallist Emma Foy of New Zealand has decided to take a break from cycling so she can focus on university work.

The 27-year-old, who alongside sighted pilot Laura Thompson won women’s individual pursuit B silver and women’s road race B bronze at Rio 2016, wants to focus on a law degree.

"I have loved my time competing in Para-cycling however it is now time to focus on other areas of my life," Foy said.

"I have always wanted to study law, and this year I will start a law degree at Waikato University.

"I am excited about what the future could hold."

Malcolm Humm, high-performance director at Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), added: "Emma is an incredible person and Paralympian.

"We thank Emma for her inspirational performances and ongoing professionalism.

"We wish Emma all the best for her future endeavours."

Foy took up the suggestion to try Para-cycling from a client in a gym where she worked and after impressing PNZ staff at a talent identification camp in early 2013.

Her first experience of international competition came at the 2013 International Cycling Union (UCI) Para-Cycling Road World Championships, where she won a bronze medal in the women's time trial B alongside pilot Gabrielle Vermunt.

Emma Foy, right, and Laura Thompson, left, won women's individual pursuit B silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images
Emma Foy, right, and Laura Thompson, left, won women's individual pursuit B silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

Foy paired up with Thompson in 2014 and went onto win a total of eight World Championship medals, including three successive women’s three kilometres pursuit B golds from 2014 to 2016.

Last year, she was a key member of the New Zealand team that ensured the country’s most successful Paralympic Games ever in Rio de Janeiro.

The nation secured 21 medals - nine golds, five silvers and seven bronzes - to beat its pre-Games target of 18.

Overall, the team placed 13th out of 159 countries on the medal table - its highest-ever placing - and defended its title of number one in the world for medals per capita won at the London 2012 Paralympics.

Foy recently attended a PNZ Para-Cycling talent identification camp run and spoke of her excitement by the calibre of the individuals in attendance.

"It was such an honour to represent my country in Rio recently," she said.

"It is really exciting to see that we have inspired so many people to not only get involved in Para-sport but also think differently about disability.

"I will certainly be watching how the new Para-athletes progress as I believe there are exciting times ahead for Para-sport in New Zealand."