Britain’s paratriathletes win four world titles
Three title defences; one new world champ
Britain’s paratriathletes delivered four gold medals for the Great Britain Triathlon Team in Beijing as 72 athletes represented 18 National Federations in six categories in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Britain’s defending champions Jane Egan, Charlotte Ellis and Faye McClelland all retained titles won in Budapest last year, and Steven Judge achieved his first-ever world title.
Nine years on from a car accident that crushed both his legs, Judge, 37 from South Yorkshire, ran to gold in the Tri3 category in Beijing, despite having been told at the time that he may never walk again.
He said: “It was amazing, everything I could dream of really. Hopes, dreams, everything and it finally came to fruition. I got gold so I am really really pleased.
With paratriathlon set to debut in Rio2016, Judge is already excited about the next major stepping stone towards the Paralympic Games, which is a home world championships in Hyde Park in 2013.
He added: “I’ve raced three times in Hyde Park already, I can only imagine that 2013 is going to be even better. I’m looking forward to it already.”
Britain’s James Smith was second in the same event, winning one of Britain’s five silver medals.
Scotland’s Jane Egan was dominant in the Tri1 category once again and team mate, Elizabeth McTernan followed her home for silver. Faye McClelland and Clare Cunningham achieved another one-two in the Tri4 category, as did Charlotte Ellis and Sara Butler in Tri6 (visually impaired).
Haseeb Ahmad, pictured, won silver in the men’s Tri6 event.
GE Great Britain Paratriathlon Team Results:
Male Tri3
1. Steven Judge GBR 1:18:50
2. James Smith GBR 1:21:18
Male Tri6
2. Haseeb Ahmad GBR 1:12:16
Female Tri1
1. Jane Egan GBR 1:48:03
2. Elizabeth Mcternan GBR 1:55:02
Female Tri4
1. Faye Mcclelland GBR 1:16:21
2. Clare Cunningham GBR 1:25:00
Female Tri6
1. Charlotte Ellis GBR 1:21:06
2. Sara Butler GBR 1:23:18
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
