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Strong results for some of Australia’s Paralympic hopefuls at the recent World Triathlon Para Series in Devonport have ensured a tight race to snare qualification to the Paris Games.
The qualification period closes on July 1, making every performance paramount as athletes worldwide strive to secure their place on the grandest stage of all.
In racing at Devonport, Australians Jack Howell (PTS5), Grace Brimelow (PTS4) and Anu Francis (PTS2) won their classifications, clinching their maiden gold medals and signalling their intent for the rest of the season.
The stakes were high, with the top nine athletes in most events, and a select few in the women’s PTS4 category, clinching quota spots for their nations.
Australian athletes can secure automatic nominations for those ranking within the top five in their respective categories.
Shifting tides were evident in Devonport, with some Australians soaring in the rankings while others faced minor setbacks on their road to Paris.
Thomas Goodman’s (PTS2) sixth-place finish propelled him five spots to 10th in the rankings, well within reach of a top-nine spot to qualify.
Jeremy Peacock elevated his standing with a silver medal, ascending four spots to fourth in the rankings of the fiercely competitive PTS4 field.
Howell’s breakthrough victory in the PTS5 propelled him three spots up the rankings, landing him in third place, while Sally Pilbeam’s fifth-place finish propelled her to fourth in the PTS4 category, up three spots.
Justin Godfrey (PTS3), David Bryant (PTS5), Francis (PTS2), and Brimelow (PTS4) all climbed one spot in the rankings, solidifying their positions.
The ripple effect of results was felt across multiple categories, with Maggie Sandles (PTVI), Caroline Baird (PTVI), Liam Twomey (PTS4) and Nic Beveridge (PTWC) each moving down one spot.
Glen Jarvis (PTS2) and Sam Harding (PTVI) encountered a slightly steeper descent, moving down two spots.
Crucially, Sandles, Twomey, Beveridge and Harding have all maintained their positions within the top nine athletes in their respective categories.
Next up on the Paralympic ranking race calendar is next month’s World Triathlon Para Cup Yenisehir, where Glen Jarvis (PTS2) and David Bryant (PTS5) will carry on their seasons.
World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification Rankings:
PTWC Men
3 – Nic Beveridge (-1)
PTS2 Men
10 – Thomas Goodman (+5)
13 – Glen Jarvis (-2)
PTS3 Men
5 – Justin Godfrey (+1)
PTS4 Men
4 – Jeremy Peacock (+4)
6 – Liam Twomey (-1)
PTS5 Men
3 – Jack Howell (+3)
7 – David Bryant (+1)
PTVI Men
8 – Sam Harding (-2)
PTWC Women
1 – Lauren Parker (-)
PTS2 Women
2 – Anu Francis (+1)
PTS4 Women
4 – Sally Pilbeam (+3)
16 – Grace Brimelow (+1)
17 – Hannah MacDougall (-1)
PTVI Women
6 – Maggie Sandles (-1)
12 – Caroline Baird (-1)
By AusTriathlon
Published: 28 March 2024
