Tokyo Paralympic Silver Medalist Lauren Parker Begins Journey to Qualify for Two Sports at Paris 2024
Lauren Parker begins her journey towards qualifying for the 2024 Paralympics in both triathlon and cycling at the World Triathlon Para Series opener in Devonport.
Why it matters: Lauren Parker, the Tokyo Paralympic silver medalist, will kick off her journey towards qualifying for both triathlon and cycling at the Paris 2024 Paralympics when she competes in the World Triathlon Para Series opener in Devonport on Saturday.
Driving the news: Parker, who won silver in the PTWC category at the 2020 Paralympics, will aim for her fifth consecutive win in Devonport, with her coach Dan Atkins revealing that she will be trialling different strategies to challenge herself. Parker's long-term goal is to make it to the Paris team in both triathlon and cycling, with everyone supporting her to achieve it.
What they are saying:
- "Lauren's long-term goals are to make that Paris team next year in both triathlon and cycling, and everyone is on the same page to give her every opportunity to achieve that," said Atkins.
- "It is all about laying the foundations towards Paris, we have to get that right," said Triathlon Australia Paralympic Performance Manager Kyle Burns.
By the numbers:
- Parker won the Ironman Triathlon in Kona and her third World Championship in Abu Dhabi in 2021, adding to her previous wins in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and Lausanne in 2019.
- Parker has won the Devonport Triathlon in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Between the lines: Parker is a remarkable athlete who loves a challenge, and the pathway to Paris 2024 really heats up in Devonport. The event will also see the reunion of current-day para triathlon stars, including two-time PTWC Paralympian Nic Beveridge and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Sam Harding and guide Luke Harvey.
The bottom line: Lauren Parker's journey towards qualifying for both triathlon and cycling at the Paris 2024 Paralympics begins in Devonport, where she will compete in the World Triathlon Para Series opener on Saturday. With her sights set on long-term goals, Parker will be trialling different strategies to challenge herself, while everyone supports her to achieve her ambitions.
