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Paralympic champion Lauren Parker is out to make history once again, targeting her fifth consecutive Para-triathlon world title in Torremolinos, Spain on Friday.
A victory at the upcoming World Triathlon Para Championships would see her equal the legendary Bill Chaffey’s record for the most titles won by an Australian.
Since winning her first World Championship in Lausanne in 2019, the 35-year-old has been unbeaten at the event, securing back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022 after the 2020 event was cancelled, and adding her fourth title in Pontevedra last year.
However, despite her dominant record, she admits this year’s championship may be her toughest title tilt yet.
Fresh off winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Parker took taken an extended break from training. But a desire to reclaim her crown has drawn her back to the start line.
“I’m so happy with what I achieved in Paris, to be here to defend my world title is really special,” Parker said.
“My goal since Tokyo was to become Paralympic champion and to get that gold medal. To achieve that was a huge relief. Crossing the line was a very special moment for me and my team – words can’t describe the feeling.”
Parker has spent the last five weeks recovering from the intense effort that led her to history in Paris – the first Australian woman to win two gold medals in two sports at a single Paralympics.
She admitted the physical toll left her arms “shattered and sore,” with little time for training.
“Since Paris and crossing the finish line in my last race, the road race for cycling, there was no training. I have not trained for five weeks,” Parker said.
“I was that exhausted, my arms were shattered and sore. I felt like I had just done an IRONMAN.
“It was a hard journey to get to Paris and I really needed a break. I just needed to refresh myself mentally and physically.”
Despite the lack of preparation, she remains driven to defend her title, knowing full well what’s at stake.
“Initially I wasn’t racing. I thought maybe I won’t, I’ll just go home. But then I knew what I would feel watching the race from home, I would feel regret,” she said.
“Being the current world champion I want to be here for the other girls to race and beat me. If they want to become world champion they have to beat me.”
And with another slice of history on the line, Parker has her sights firmly set on matching Bill Chaffey’s incredible five-title feat.
The pair’s paths crossed toward the end of his career, by which time the Rio 2016 Paralympian had blazed a trial for athletes like Parker.
Together they represented Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, where they both secured bronze medals.
“He’s an incredible person,” Parker said.
“He was an amazing athlete, to win five Para-triathlon world titles is just incredible. For me to potentially win on Friday and get my fifth, I wouldn’t be more proud.
“I started Para-triathlon towards the end of his career. We had six months together racing.
“I look up to Bill, he’s an amazing athlete and role model for the sport to be at the same level as him, I couldn’t be happier.”
With three additional World Championship medallists in the line-up, the Australian team will be capable and confident of challenging for more silverware in Spain.
Sally Pilbeam (PTS4), who claimed back-to-back world titles in 2014 and 2015, marks her 10th appearance at the World Triathlon Para Championships – the most of any Australian athlete. Along with her two gold medals, she boasts a hat-trick of silvers from 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as a bronze from last year’s event in Pontevedra, Spain.
Anu Francis (PTS2) will be aiming to extend her perfect record of podium finishes at the championships. She claimed silver at last year’s event in Pontevedra, Spain, following up her impressive bronze medal debut in 2022.
Completing the line-up of world championship medallists is Jeremy Peacock (PTS4), who secured a bronze medal in his 2022 debut. This year, he competes in his third world championship, hoping to add to his tally.
Liam Twomey (PTS4) and David Bryant (PTS5) are set for their fourth World Triathlon Para Championships, while Jack Howell (PTS5) and Maggie Sandles (PTVI), alongside Lauren Sprague (Guide), will compete in their third and second championships, respectively.
You can catch all the action from the World Triathlon Para Championships on TriathlonLive on Friday, October 18, starting at 6:50 PM AEDT.
Australian Team – World Triathlon Para Championships
Friday, October 18 – 6:50pm AEDT
- Lauren Parker (PTWC)
- Anu Francis (PTS2)
- Sally Pilbeam (PTS4)
- Maggie Sandles (PTVI)
- Lauren Sprague (Guide)
- Jeremy Peacock (PTS4)
- Liam Twomey (PTS4)
- David Bryant (PTS5)
- Jack Howell (PTS5)
By AusTriathlon, Paralympics Australia.
Photo by Delly Carr
Published 17 October, 2024.
