Lauren Parker has secured her own piece of paratriathlon history, storming home to take the PTWC World Championship title in outstanding fashion in Lausanne, Switzerland overnight.

Taking the tape just over two minutes ahead of her nearest competitor, the NSW Institute of Sport athlete put together a dominating race from start to finish to claim her maiden World Championship title, with the feat coming less than two years after the 31-year old made her paratriathlon debut.

Speaking to Triathlon Australia, Parker said that winning the World Championship title was ‘unreal’.

“I can’t even put into words how I’m feeling, I’m just so happy,” Parker said.

“The whole day went my way starting off from a great swim. I felt great on the bike and great on the run as well.”

Setting her gold medal intentions from the outset, Parker wasted no time in getting her race off to a cracking start, laying down a blistering 12.46 swim to put the field on the back foot. Keeping up the pace, Parker forced eventual silver and bronze medallists Kendall Gretsch (USA) and Christiane Reppe (GER) to make chase on the Australian through the bike and run. However, their efforts were to no avail, with Parker keeping hold of her commanding lead right until she crossed the finish line.

 

In other results from the World Grand Final over the weekend Lorcan Redmond (NSWIS) put together a stunning performance in the Junior Men’s race to claim second amongst a highly competitive field.

Speaking to ITU Media, Redmond said that he was thrilled to walk away with the silver medal, particularly in such a demanding and challenging race.

“It came down to the run…but I think I made my surge a bit early, I got excited but I’m very happy with how I ended up in second,” Redmond said.

“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve visualised this race for years and years.”

“I’ve always wanted to get a medal at Junior Worlds for seven years or so. To finally pull it off is a great feeling.”

After a tough swim, Redmond knuckled down on the bike in a sizeable chasing pack alongside teammates Oscar Dart and Josh Ferris. Keeping the pace on, the Aussies reeled in the leaders to put themselves in prime position heading out on the run.

With the field beginning to break up midway through the run, Portugal’s Ricardo Batista took his chance to make a break, with Redmond giving chase right to the finish line to claim second in 00:55:12.

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