Katie Kelly strikes gold at Yokohama season opener
Katie Kelly has made no secret of her intentions for the 2021 season in her return to World Triathlon Para Series in Yokohama taking victory and valuable Paralympic Qualification points in the Women’s PTVI class.
Putting together a strong and synchronised race, Kelly and Guide Briarna Silk led from start to finish to take home the gold medal and put themselves one step closer towards securing a place at Tokyo later this year.
Speaking to Triathlon Australia, Kelly said that she was really pleased with her performance in Yokohama today.
“It’s a real privilege to be racing at this level again, it’s been a while coming. I am so grateful to World Triathlon and Japanese Government for putting this on in these challenging times,” Kelly said.
“We’re happy with the output today with some good improvements overall, particularly the bike. Bri [Guide] rode that course so well, and given we had no bike famil, and it is quite technical in parts, the cornering and technique was superb.”
“I felt excited to be on that start line and lining up again with my competitors on the international stage is a real buzz. Hopefully I’ve now put myself in a good position to secure nomination for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.”
Although it initially appeared that Kelly had finished in second, Annouck Curzillat (FRA) was disqualified following the morning’s events, promoting Kelly to first place.
Meanwhile in the Men’s PTS4, Clint Pickin recorded his best World Triathlon Para Series result to date, taking a commendable fourth in Yokohama.
Pickin kept his competition honest the entire way, laying down some strong times across all three disciplines to record a personal best finish position among a classy field. France’s Alexis Hanquinquant took home line honours.
