Para-triathletes Jack and Grace debut in Paris

News source: Triathlon Australia

Australia’s supremely talented team of triathletes front up for a competitive day as they made their way into the history books at the Paris Paralympic Games.

 The 13-strong squad, consisting of 12 triathletes plus one sighted guide, was the largest since the sport was introduced at Rio 2016 and features a mixture of debutants and athletes with Paralympic experience.

The much-vaunted team ranges from ages 17 to 50 and will compete in 11 medal events across six Para-triathlon categories on a single day after organisers condensed the program from two days.

The triathlon was delayed for an additional day and the progrma was changed due to the water quaity of the River Seine.

There were mixed results across the field, with an incredible historic win for Lauren Parker winning Gold in the women's wheelchair event.

Twenty-year-old debutant Jack Howell and Honour Roll Member 2022, who only started racing internationally in 2022, finished seventh in the men’s PTS5 race in 1:02:21. Despite being the youngest in the field, Howell performed maturely and is already looking to the future.

“You put in so many hours, there’s so many people involved, but we’re small in this world of triathlon and I’m so thankful to be one of the faces of the sport,” he said.

“Going forward I can’t wait for Brisbane. You guys better show up for Brissy because I’m going to be there’.”

In the final race of an action-packed day, it was heartbreak for Honour Roll Member 2023 and making her debut as the youngest member of the team, Grace Brimelow  was disqualified for an error on the bike leg. At just 17 years of age, will leave Paris with her head held high and fire in her belly for future Games.

Congratulations Jack and Grace! A huge effort and more to come.

Image Description: Jack Howell wearing glasses with green and yellow tracksuit racing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. To the right Grace Brimelow wearing the same racesuit, running in Paris.