World's best paratriathletes put on a show at 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea

The SA1 Waterfront and Prince of Wales Dock hosted the 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea on Saturday 15 July 2023 for its second year.

The world’s best paratriathletes descended on Swansea Bay for the one-day event that provided a chance for elite athletes to collect valuable points towards Paris 2024 Paralympic qualification.

In the interests of athlete safety, the race was declared an aquathlon after adverse weather forced the bike discipline to be cancelled.

SIX MEDALS FOR GREAT BRITAIN

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

Claire Cashmore claimed silver while compatriot and Paralympic champion Lauren Steadman bagged bronze.

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

Commenting on his race, Ellis said:

“It worked for us today and I'm really happy to get the win. I’ve managed to do well in all the home races, we had Leeds the year before last and Swansea two years in a row has suited me well, maybe no one else likes this wet weather.”

British athletes shone in front of a home crowd as spectators also roared home Oscar Kelly who came home closely behind Ellis, with Melissa Nicholls bagging bronze in the PTWC category.

Hannah Moore also picked up silver in the PTS4 race, being pipped by American Emma Meyers.

Participation was paramount at the event with up-and-coming stars and complete beginners also taking their start positions on the Prince of Wales Dock in the British Triathlon Paratri Super Series and the Splash and Dash.

Swansea also hosted the Paratriathlon Conference for the second year running where triathlon federations from across the globe met to discuss the importance of para parity and growing paratriathlon globally.

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 paratriathletes 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.”

On her silver medal in the PTS5 category, Claire Cashmore said:

“It was quite close between Lauren and myself so I was really happy with that too. The crowd were brilliant today considering 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. It’s the first time I’ve raced against Lauren this year so it’s great to see where I am against her, there’s lots of work to be done so it’s back to the drawing board and see what comes for the rest of the season.”

BRITISH TRIATHLON PARATRI SUPER SERIES

In the PTWC category Luke Applegate was first across the line in the British Triathlon Paratri Super Series with a time of 00:20:57, in his first Para Super Series event of the season. Darren Williams took home his third podium spot of the year.

In the PTS race Tom Barnard came home ahead of Oliver Scott with just a three-second gap between the two. Jack Green came home in third place. Megan Fergusson was the first across the line in the women’s race ahead of Cheryl Went, with a nine-second gap between them.

The final race to enter the water was the PTVI category, where Matthew Thorn finished in first place with a time of 00:22:26 ahead of Nathanial Costigan.

You can find the full Super Series race report here.

For anyone who has been inspired by today, the British Triathlon Athlete Search is looking for the next generation of paratriathletes in Great Britain. You can find out more by clicking here.