Tri-Team Ireland Shine Across Two Continents
2025 European Sprint & Standard Championships Istanbul
Tri-Team Ireland athletes proudly represented the nation at the 2025 Asia & Europe Triathlon Age Group Championships in Istanbul, an unforgettable event that spanned two continents in one race. This iconic championship showcased the unique spirit of triathlon on a transcontinental stage, offering athletes the rare opportunity to compete across both Asia and Europe in a single race.
A Race Like No Other
Swim in the Bosphorus: Athletes began their race in the legendary Bosphorus Strait, swimming between two continents in one of the world’s most historic waterways.
Bike Across Continents: The bike course included a crossing of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime moment as competitors rode from Asia into Europe.
Run Through History: The final leg of the race took athletes through Istanbul’s vibrant streets, blending ancient heritage with the modern energy of the city.
From start to finish, this was not just a race, but an extraordinary journey where sport, history, and culture united.
🏅 Medal Success for Tri-Team Ireland
Across both the Sprint and Standard Championships, Tri-Team Ireland athletes secured:
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1 Gold – Vanessa Fenton (Standard, 50–54 F)
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1 Silver – Patrick Tierney (Standard, 45–49 M)
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3 Bronze – Michael Mallon (Sprint, 75–79 M), Patrick Tierney (Sprint, 45–49 M), Desmond McHenry (Standard, 75–79 M)
This was a fantastic achievement on one of the most iconic triathlon stages in the world.
Sprint Distance – Team Ireland Results
Michael Mallon (75–79 M) – 🥉 3rd place
Patrick Tierney (45–49 M) – 🥉 3rd place
Sarah Blackett (16–19 F) – 5th place
Faye Morrissey (16–19 F) – 8th place
Nigel Fanning (50–54 M) – 9th place
Althea Lonergan (25–29 F) – 9th place
Karen Watson (55–59 F) – 10th place
Eoin Carroll (40–44 M) – 14th place
Colum Traynor (45–49 M) – 21st place
Two podium finishes and multiple top 10 results made this a strong showing in the Sprint distance
Standard Distance – Team Ireland Results
Vanessa Fenton (50–54 F) – 🥇 1st place
Patrick Tierney (45–49 M) – 🥈 2nd place
Desmond McHenry (75–79 M) – 🥉 3rd place
Rachel Woods (25–29 F) – 5th place
Martin O’Grady (60–64 M) – 6th place
Joshua Schnell (20–24 M) – 9th place
Peter McGuigan (25–29 M) – 14th place
Three podium finishes in the Standard distance added to Ireland’s medal haul.
Full results are available on the official World Triathlon website.
Event photography is available courtesy of the Turkish Triathlon Federation: Photo Archive
