Triathlon gold completes Novocastrian Parker's Paralympic ...

Lauren Parker has buried the pain of her Tokyo heartache, completing Paralympic redemption by sealing a gold medal in a dominant PTWC triathlon win.

The Novocastrian had to settle for silver in Japan three years ago after losing to American Kendall Gretsch by just one second.

But, on Monday morning (local time) in Paris – after poor water quality had postponed the triathlon event by 24 hours – Parker was in a mood to go one better.

The 35-year-old’s victory sealed Australia’s seventh gold medal of the 2024 Games. 

Parker cruised through the opening leg of the triathlon – a 750m swim through the Seine – to establish an early lead of 52 seconds.

Gretsch was third out of the water.

However, the American had the Australian in her sights, making up ground as they transitioned to the hand cycle.

Across the five laps through a 20km cycling course, Gretsch moved up into second and began to loom over Parker’s shoulder.

The Newcastle athlete was one minute and 58 seconds ahead of her American rival after the pair had both transitioned into the 5km wheelchair run. 

Gretsch began to surge, but Parker was not going to let up as she crossed Pont Alexandre III, bursting into tears as she crossed the finish line.

It capped a turbulent 12-month period where the Australian had to alter her race style in all three formats after a bike accident in training.

“After getting second in Tokyo by less than a second, that’s been a big driving force over the last three years,” Parker said.

“Every single day, every single training session, I’ve worked so hard to accomplish what I have today.

“Sport brings emotional roller-coasters from week to week – I’ve been through a lot emotionally, personally, physically.

“I’ve been through a bike accident and lots of other things that I’ve had to overcome, and to be able to do this today is so special.”

Parker crossed the finish line with a time of 1:06.23, with Gretsch clinching silver with 1:07.46.

“I’m so excited for Lauren, we have became great friends over these past three years… I’m also proud of my race today,” a gracious Gretsch said.

The victory puts Parker on course to become Australia’s first dual-sport Paralympic gold medallist at a Games since Eric Russell completed the feat in 1976.

Parker’s attention will now turn to cycling, with the Australian set to compete in the individual time trial and the road race.

“I’ve got a one-day break, and then cycling events,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, the cycling is my strongest leg.

“I’m really looking forward to getting three golds.”

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