ParalympicsGB Unveils Record Para Triathlon Team for Paris 2024

Michael Taylor (Men’s PTS4) will be making his return to the Paralympic stage after finishing seventh in Tokyo. He will be joined by Mel Nicholls (Women’s PTWC), who is set to compete in her third Paralympic Games, marking her first since her transition to para triathlon. Previously representing ParalympicsGB in para athletics, Nicholls only switched sports in 2022, showcasing the adaptability and spirit of these athletes.

Another newcomer to the sport is Henry Urand, competing in the Men’s PTS3 category. A Loughborough University student, Urand made a striking transition from para cycling to para triathlon in 2023 and has quickly qualified for his first Paralympic Games. His remarkable performance, finishing first or second in five out of six international races over the past year, highlights an incredible rise through the ranks.

Speaking about his selection, Urand expressed, “I am honoured to be part of the para triathlon team heading to Paris. It feels surreal at the moment, and not something I thought was possible when I switched to triathlon 15 months ago. It means so much to be able to go to Paris and showcase para sport on the world stage, especially since it’s so close to home, allowing family and friends to come and cheer.”

Making their Olympic debuts alongside Urand will be Finley Jakes (Men’s PTS4), Hannah Moore and Megan Richter (both Women’s PTS4), and Oscar Kelly with his guide Charlie Harding, competing in the men’s PTVI classification. Their stories are a testament to the hard work and determination defined by each athlete’s journey.

Kelly and Harding previously showcased their talent by representing England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Meanwhile, Moore and Richter have impressively shared six medals between them this year alone. Jakes’s journey stands out, having developed through British Triathlon’s rigorous system, moving from a Talent ID Day to the World Class Programme, ultimately leading him to his first Paralympic experience.

Tom Hodgkinson, Head of Paratriathlon at British Triathlon, shared his enthusiasm for the squad, stating, “To be able to take a large and talented team of athletes and guides to Paris is incredibly exciting. Across the team we have stories of success, comebacks, and personal triumphs. For instance, Lauren’s return after taking time off to start her PhD, Alison’s comeback as a mother, and Dave and Luke’s resurgence after facing bad luck in Tokyo all reflect the incredible people behind the results.”

The resilience of the team embodies the spirit of the Paralympic movement. Hodgkinson continued, “We’ve also got a strong cohort who’ve put excellent performances together throughout 2024 to secure qualification. There were many challenges last year, which have now been overcome. The character and determination demonstrated by this team puts us in a promising position as we move forward.”

As the excitement builds, each member of the squad carries a unique story of struggle and success, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports fans alike. “The coming weeks, from our holding camp in France to Paris, will be a remarkable chapter for these stories,” Hodgkinson added, “and I’m excited to share this journey with the selected athletes of ParalympicsGB for Paris 2024.”

Penny Briscoe, the ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, also shared her enthusiasm: “I want to congratulate every athlete and guide on this selection milestone, as part of the largest para triathlon squad ever to represent ParalympicsGB. The experienced athletes, such as Lauren Steadman, Claire Cashmore, and Dave Ellis, bring a wealth of skill and wisdom, coupled with some exciting debutants. This is a testament to the diverse pool of talent we possess as we head towards Paris 2024.”

The selection of this remarkable team not only reflects the depth of talent within the British para triathlon community but also heralds a momentous occasion as these athletes prepare to take the world stage. Each athlete is ready to make their mark, undeterred by challenges, and fuelled by the support of those around them. The narrative of courage, perseverance, and triumph unfolds as they vie for glory – not just for themselves, but for all who follow their inspiring journeys in the realm of paralympic sports.

As we await the excitement of the Paralympics, one cannot help but wonder: how will these athletes redefine the limits of athletic achievement in Paris?