Alison Patrick from Dunfermline retained the PT5 European Paratriathlon title at the ETU Paratriathlon European Championships in Lisbon. Alison is visually impaired and runs, swims and tandem cycles with support from guide Hazel Smith from Edinburgh. Alison is one of the world’s leading paratriathletes and is challenging for a place in the GB team for the Paralympic Games in Rio. Paratriathletes swim 750 metres, cycle 20kms and run 5 kms. Congratulations to Alison.
British Triathlon paratriathletes won a total of four gold medals at the European Championships and sent out a strong message to other world nations in the year when paratriathlon will feature on the Rio Paralympic Games programme for the first time. Lisbon was a hugely important race for Team GB paratriathletes in their quest for Rio qualification. The Lisbon event provides fifty per cent more ranking points than any other ITU world paratriathlon Event. Team GB produced seven podium finishes in Portugal and vital Rio qualification points.
Team GB has two races remaining before the qualification window closes for Rio, and is very focussed on events at Strathclyde Park on June 4th and Besancon later in June. GB paratriathlete Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty in Fife will compete at Strathclyde Park with a number of other British paratriathletes challenging for ranking points and Team GB places. Having competed in Lisbon late in May, Alison will not be on the start line at Strathclyde Park.
Richard Brickley MBE
President Disability Sport Fife