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Tom Williamson claimed a silver medal this weekend at the 2024 World Triathlon Para Cup in Vigo. He took an early lead with his trademark fast swim, and the race remained close against Brazil’s Ronan Cordeiro as they exited T2. Cordeiro ultimately secured the gold medal with a 17-minute 5km run, while Williamson comfortably finished in second place, over two minutes ahead of the third-place finisher.

Williamson is currently in 11th place in the Men’s PTS5 Paralympic qualification rankings, with only 56 points between him and the 9th place needed to qualify for the Paris Paralympic Games. A win at a Para-Cup or a podium finish at a Para-Series event could give him enough points to move into the top 9.

Donnacha McCarthy, along with his guide Sean Husband, also competed in Vigo this weekend, finishing in 7th place. Despite losing time in the swim, the duo can take confidence in their strong bike and run splits as they continue to aim for Paralympic qualification.

Their result in Vigo drops McCarthy and Husband two places to 14th in the Paralympic qualification rankings. With the top 9 qualifying for the Games, the race for points remains close, with less than 150 points separating 9th and 14th in the Men’s PTVI Paralympic qualification rankings. McCarthy faces a similar challenge to Williamson in terms of the performances needed to climb the rankings.

Both athletes will now focus on the 2024 World Triathlon Para Cup in Taranto, Italy, next weekend. With four races left in the Paralympic qualification window, the competition is still wide open.