TRIATHLON 2016 I PARALYMPICS 26
USA RULES THE DAY
AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA RACE TO GOLD
PT2 WOMEN
The U.S. women made history in more ways than
one when Allysa Seely, Hailey Danisewicz and
Melissa Stockwell swept the very first PT2
paratriathlon Paralympics podium after their
dominating performances.
While all three women took their turn leading at some
point of the race, it was ultimately Seely who grabbed
the first-ever Paralympic gold medal with a sizzling run.
Danisewicz finished with the silver, and the top two
women cheered on compatriot Stockwell from the finish
line to finish the US sweep with bronze. In a bittersweet
moment, the military veteran scored the medal on the
15th anniversary of September 11th.
PT4 WOMEN
Young American Grace Norman was awarded the
women's inaugural PT4 Paralympic gold medal after a
back and forth battle finally ended in her favour.
"It has been a long journey, a lot of training and just a lot
of everything. So to come across that line for the US,
and to take first in the history of paratriathlon is just an
incredible feeling," said Norman of her victory.
Completing the podium was Great Britain's Lauren
Steadman who finished with silver and Frenchwoman
Gwladys Lemoussu who earned bronze.
PT5 WOMEN
In a race that saw the leaderboard change multiple
times, it was Australian Katie Kelly, alongside guide
Michellie Jones, who claimed the gold medal in the
women's PT5 sport class. The win meant Kelly
remained undefeated in her triathlon career.
"I thought I couldn't (slow down in the finish chute),"
Kelly said. "I didn't know what lead we had. I never
imagined that I'd be able to win gold and it's an honor
to do it. Anyone with a disability can take a crack at
something and do what they love, and that's what I was
doing out there."
Rounding out the final two medals were Brits
Alison Patrick and Melissa Reid who earned the
silver and bronze.
