FROM his impressive international debut in October 2023, Tom Williamson, from Down Triathlon Club, embarked on his highly anticipated 2024 international para-triathlon journey at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Yenisehir, Turkey, on 21 April and, despite being relatively new to the elite paratriathlon scene, Tom showcased great determination from the off.
After months of intense winter training and preparation, the 21 year old athlete from Saintfield eagerly looked forward to testing his skills again against a global field of competitors in the challenging 750 meter sea swim, 20 kilometre bike, and five kilometre run course.
Despite his newcomer status on the international para-triathlon stage, Tom wasted no time in leaving his mark. With a fantastic sea swim, he surged ahead of his competitors, establishing a commanding 45-second lead that he maintained throughout the demanding bike leg.
However, the five kilometre run presented a new challenge as Tom battled a debilitating stitch, causing him to lose ground to his competitors. Nevertheless, he dug deep, and despite narrowly missing out on the podium, Williamson’s determination propelled him to a commendable fourth-place finish, clocking in at 01:00:11, just seconds shy of securing a podium spot.
Despite the challenges faced during the run, Tom’s strength of character remained unwavering as he chose to extract valuable lessons from the experience, reflecting, “There are plenty of positives and insights to carry forward for the rest of the season.”
Read what Tom had to say about his bid to qualify for the Paralympics in the current issue.
