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Team Ireland’s Para Triathletes were back in action this weekend at the 2024 World Triathlon Para Cup in Yenisehir, Turkey.

Donnacha McCarthy and his guide, Sean Husband, continue their hunt for Paralympic Qualification. The duo currently remain 11th in the Men’s PTVI Paralympic rankings, with the top 9 in the PTVI category securing a spot for the Paris Paralympic Games. Less than 130 points separates them from their current standing and 9th in the rankings, meaning a single race could make all the difference.

Yenisehir’s fast and flat course saw the pair excel in the swim, and produce a promising bike split, placing them in contention for a podium finish. However, they were narrowly edged out by Serbian athlete Lazar Filipovic.

Speaking after the race, Husband acknowledged the increasing level of competition, “the level is getting raised every year. We are improving, but so is everyone else. Over the next few races, it will be a dog fight to qualify.”

New comer, and rising Para Triathlon star, Tom Williamson was also in action in Yenisehir. His first three international starts have seen him place 6th, 2nd, and 4th (Yenisehir) respectively.

Williamson dominated the race from the gun, exiting the water almost 45 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. He posted a strong bike split to maintain his lead, however, suffered from a stitch on the run causing him to lose time against his competitors. Despite this, he hung on to finish the race in 4th, less than 30 seconds from the podium. The result sees him jump 9 places in the Men’s PTS5 Paralympic rankings to 12th position. With the top 9 qualifying for Paris, Williamson is putting himself in contention for qualifying a spot with only 3 international starts to his name.

Both McCarthy and Williamson will be back in action at the World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama in May. They’ll be joined by both Chloe and Judith MacCombe, and their guides, as they too seek to secure Paralympics spots in the Women’s PTVI category.