Parker Bags Bronze at World Triathlon Para Championships

Australia has secured three medals at the World Triathlon Para Championship in Torremolinos, Spain with Jack Howell (PTS5) claiming silver, and Sally Pilbeam (PTS4) and Lauren Parker (PTWC) both bagging bronze.

Howell stormed to silver in only his third World Triathlon Para Championship appearance, marking the biggest result of his young career.

After an intense season, which included a Paralympic debut, the 20-year-old spoke about his focus post-Games and what it meant for this performance.

“After the Games I really said to myself ‘the years not over and there’s still another opportunity to prove myself on the world stage’ and I did exactly that today,” Howell said.

“It’s the race I’ve been looking for all year, I put all three legs together and I couldn’t be more excited.

“The level of racing goes that big step up at a world champs. To perform on the day, going through that finish chute, I can’t really describe it. I was so overwhelmed, so excited to put a good race together.”

Howell praise his fellow medallists – Pilbeam and Parker, acknowledging their guidance and support as teammates.

“Sally is like a mother to me. She always has something positive to say or some insights for me. I’m so thankful for her on a day like today. She’s been to ten world championships so you can definitely learn a thing or two from her,” Howell said.

“And Loz, she’s been competitive for so long. Her career has already been so insightful to me. Hopefully I can aim to be a world champion like her.”

Pilbeam celebrated her tenth World Triathlon Para Championships appearance in the green and gold with a bronze medal.

The podium adds to her already impressive record at World Championship event, marking her seventh World Championship medal in her career.

“It’s an amazing stat when you look at it like that. I still can’t believe I’m still here after all these years, still racing and still loving it.

“I love racing on the big stage. I thrive on that.”

She reflected on her journey and the pride she feels in continuing to represent Australia on the world stage, even after a decade of competing at the highest level

“I really don’t take it for granted when I get the chance to wear the green and gold,” Pilbeam said.

“I really am proud of what I’ve achieved and I’m proud of how we’ve gone about doing it as well. I’m just really proud every time I get to wear this tri suit and come out here and represent Australia, my family and support team.

“It is something I don’t take for granted. I don’t know how many more I’ll have left in me, but I’m certainty not done yet.”

Paralympic champion and NSW Institute of Sport athlete Parker also secured a bronze medal.

This result brings an end to Parker’s remarkable three-year unbeaten streak, during which she won 15 consecutive races dating back to her silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The 35-year-old faced a challenging return to competition after taking an extended break from training following a gruelling Paralympics campaign where she became the first Australian woman to win two gold medals in two sports at a single Games.

Despite not being fully fit heading into the race, she took pride in her decision to defend her title.

“I’m proud of myself,” Parker reflected post-race.

“I’m happy I turned up today to defend my title because I would have regretted it if was watching on the TV screen. Like I said, the girls have to beat me to become world champion and that’s what Kendall (Gretsch) did today.

“To be at every race and win fifteen straight, I don’t know how I did it really. I’m emotional thinking about it.

“I can’t retire on that one now, I might have to do one more. I might be at Wollongong next year to get my world title back.”

In other Australian results, Jeremy Peacock (PTS4) and David Bryant (PTS5) bothplaced seventh. Maggie Sandles (PTVI) and her guide Lauren Sprague finished ninth. Liam Twomey (PTS4) came in eleventh. Anu Francis (PTS2) did not start the race due to illness.

Later in the day, Australia’s junior athletes took to the course in the World Triathlon Junior Championships, facing a highly competitive field.

Jack Woodberry led the Australian charge in the men’s race, crossing the line in 20th place. Ty Davis and Bowen Bamford rounded out the Australian contingent in the men’s race, finishing 44th and 54th, respectively. In the women’s race, Isla Watson finished 38th, while Grace Henry crossed the line in 42nd. Aspen Anderson was unable to finish the race.

Article courtesy of Triathlon Australia