Parker Extends Golden Run

With just over 100 days to go to the opening of the Paralympic Games and the hunt for crucial ranking points on, Australia’s para triathlon team delivered at the World Triathlon Para Series in Yokohama, clinching an impressive four medals.

Led by the outstanding performance of New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Lauren Parker, who extended her golden run to fifteen-straight wins, taking top-spot in the PTWC category.

Parker secured the gold medal 1 minute and 25 seconds ahead of Leanne Taylor (CAN) and Jessica Ferreira (BRA), with the pair requiring a photo finish to determine the silver medalist. Kendall Gretsch (USA), who was the last athlete to finish ahead of Parker at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, finished in fourth place.

Australia’s top-ranked para triathlete returned to competition in Yokohama with her last triathlon race at February’s Oceania Triathlon Para Championships in Stockton.

Last weekend the 35-year-old secured three gold medals at the para-cycling Road World Cup in Belgium as she continues her pursuit of qualifying for two sports at the Paralympics.

Anu Francis (PTS2) secured the silver medal, marking back-to-back World Triathlon Para Series podiums finishes to start the season following her maiden victory in Devonport earlier in the year.

Francis finished behind Hailey Danz (USA), who clinched the women’s title, while hometown hero Yukako Hata (JAP) rounded out the podium.

Justin Godfrey (PTS3) bolstered his Paralympic aspirations by also securing a silver medal.

He finished behind Michael Herter (FRA), who established a substantial lead during the swim, which ultimately proved insurmountable, with Hwang Tae Kim (KOR) finishing in third place.

Thomas Goodman (PTS2) made statement clinching a maiden World Triathlon Para Series podium with a bronze medal, positioning himself as a contender for a spot on Australia’s Paralympic team.

Goodman finished two minutes ahead of his Australian teammate Glen Jarvis (PTS2), who secured fourth place in the competition.

In other results for the Australian team, Sally Pilbeam (PTS4) also secured fourth place, while Nic Beveridge (PTWC), Jeremy Peacock (PTS4), and Jack Howell (PTS5) finished fifth in their categories. David Bryant (PTS5) and Sam Harding (PTVI) rounded out the Australian performances, securing seventh and eighth place finishes respectively.

As the Paralympic Qualification period draws to a close on July 1, 2024, two more major opportunities, WTPS Swansea and WTPS Montreal, for Australian’s to bolster their position in the rankings and earn a spot at the Games.

For most categories, the top nine athletes in the rankings can clinch quota spots for their nations, with Australian athletes having the opportunity to secure automatic nominations by ranking within the top five.

Article courtesy of Triathlon Australia