Elite athletes put on show in Swansea for World Para Triathlon Series 

Due to extreme conditions in the lead-up to the race the cycling element of the race was cut short, turning the event into an Aquathlon.

Whilst the rain poured at times, it failed to dampen a series of spirited performances in the water and on the road as a large raucous Swansea crowd thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the World’s most decorated Paralympians in action. 

With crucial qualification points for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on offer from the race, there was an extra competitive edge to proceedings with several of the World’s top Para triathletes facing off for one of the sport’s biggest races of the season. 

Great Britain won six medals and enjoyed most success in the PTS5 category, for those with mild impairments. 

The event kicked-off with home favourite Darren Williams amongst the medals in the PTWC category claiming his third podium spot of the year behind Team GB’s Luke Applegate. 

Welshman Williams was delighted with his performance and despite the conditions was thrilled to be cheered on by home support. 

“It was tough out there. I swam well but the chair was a nightmare for me today, my hands kept slipping off but that’s triathlon,” said Williams. 

“I love coming to Swansea though, I am from Cardigan, which is only an hour and a half down the road, so all my family are here today. They don’t go to any races when they are in England so when it’s on my doorstep they can come and support, it’s fantastic.” 

In the highly anticipated PYS5 Women’s race which pitted the podium of the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, Claire Cashmore claimed silver behind American Grace Norman while compatriot and Paralympic champion Lauren Steadman came home in third to earn bronze. 

After bagging silver in her first race of the season Cashmore was pleased to gage her own form ahead of a competitive year which is likely to see the medal placings in Paris likely to be competed between herself Norman and Steadman. 

“It was quite close between Lauren and myself so I was really happy with that. 

 “The crowd were brilliant today considering the weather was pretty awful, Swansea turned up, I’m just so happy the race could go ahead, it’s been a bit touch and go.  

“You can’t beat racing on home soil, for my family to be here is really special.   

There was another run out for world number one and Cashmore’s partner Dave Ellis and his guide Luke Pollard in the PTVI category as they took home yet another title to add to their 22-strong gold medal haul.  

As the Swansea sunshine peaked through the grey clouds British athletes shone in front of a home crowd as spectators roared home Oscar Kelly who came home closely behind Ellis, with inspirational fan favourite Mel Nicholls bagging bronze in the PTWC category.

“I didn’t expect many people to be out today in support, it was lovely. The weather was wild. Just before I went in the water for the swim, I heard some of my Tri club from Tewkesbury and that put a smile on my face,” said a thrilled Nicholls. 

“Today was fab though and I’m so happy with my swim. I know I can push it in a race chair, but this is a different format. To get a podium out of that is unbelievable. I really can’t believe I won a medal.

Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO said: “Despite the change in the event format due to the weather, it was still a fantastic day celebrating all that makes para triathlon great, from people giving it a go for the first time, up and coming Para triathletes and then the world’s best competing for crucial Paralympic Games qualification points. 

 “Of course, I am very proud of the hard work of the British Triathlon staff and volunteers, and incredibly grateful to our event partners without whom the event would not be possible and such an overwhelming success. 

 “I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did, that it illustrated how sport can be inclusive of everyone, no matter their ability and that the event has inspired even more people to take part in swim, bike, run.”

(Lead Image: Kaan Ucele)