British Triathlon has confirmed the 20 paratriathletes included in the 2012 British Paratriathlon Performance Programme.
World and European Champions Jane Egan (Tri 1), Faye McClelland (Tri 4), Steven Judge (Tri 3) and Charlotte Ellis (Tri 6) lead the way as the sport continues to develop the performance structures needed to deliver medal-winning success at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The four reigning World and European Champions have shown proven ability to medal at the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships and are named to the podium squad, alongside GE ambassadors, Clare Cunningham (Tri 4) and Jimmy Goddard (Tri 1).
Haseeb Ahmad and Sara Butler, both current British Champions in the Tri 6 category, have also been selected with former world champion, Iain Dawson (Tri 6), and James Smith (Tri 3) a bronze medallist from the 2011 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships completing the podium squad.
This year’s affiliate squad includes athletes who have demonstrated the ability to perform at a major championship level including current British Champions David Cooke (Tri 1) and Tom Perkins (Tri 4). Sean Grundy (Tri 6) claimed gold in the elite paratriathlon event at Hyde Park in 2011, whilst Melissa Reid (Tri 6) won silver and Matthew Emmerson (Tri 5) bronze at the same event.
Joe Townsend (Tri 1) and Ross Austin (Tri 2) are two athletes who have been identified through Paralympic GB’s Talent Transition programme and will take their first steps into paratriathlon on the affiliate squad.
Former world champion, Melanie Barrett (Tri 6) also celebrates inclusion in the squad, whilst Joe Allen (Tri 4) a former international 800m and 1,500m track athlete and George Peasgood (Tri 5), the youngest member of the squad at 16 years of age complete the affiliate squad.
