2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES: TEAM IRELAND PARA TRIATHLETES
Paralympics Ireland have officially announced the para triathletes selected to join Team Ireland at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The squad marks a historic milestone as Ireland’s biggest para triathlon team, with all athletes making their Paralympic debut.
Cassie Cava, Chloe MacCombe & guide Catherine Sands, Judith MacCombe & guide Eimear Nicholls have been officially selected to fly the flag in the French capital. The competition is set to take place on the 1st & 2nd of September in the heart of Paris featuring an incredible course that includes a swim start at the Pont Alexandre III bridge, a cycle along the Champs-Élysées, and a run through the heart of Paris, passing some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Cassie Cava will represent Ireland in the Women’s PTS4 category, after most recently securing a gold medal at the World Triathlon Para Series in Swansea & Devonport.
Chloe MacCombe & guide Catherine Sands will compete in the Women’s PTVI category, having achieved podium finishes at the World Triathlon Para Series in Yokohama & Montreal, and taking gold in Swansea. MacCombe’s impressive performances have secured her a strong #3 Paralympic ranking heading into Paris.
Judith MacCombe & guide Eimear Nicholls will also compete in the Women’s PTVI category. The duo recently secured a win at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Samarkand and Bronze at the World Triathlon Para Series in Devonport.
The team will follow in the footsteps of Catherine Walsh, who was Ireland’s first para triathlete at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
A total of 120 para-triathletes from around the world, competing in six categories will start at the Pont Alexandre III, with their hopes set on the 11 Paralympic medals waiting at the finish line. The Paralympic Games will run from Wednesday 28th of August to Sunday 8th of September, with a total 35 Team Ireland athletes joining The Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony.
Gordon Crawford, Triathlon Ireland Performance Director said: “I am delighted that we have qualified our biggest team of Para triathletes: 3 athletes and 2 guides for the Paralympics in Paris. I would like to congratulate Cassie Cava, Judith McCombe and Eimear Nicholls; Chloe McCombe and Catherine Sands on their selection. This Para Triathlon Squad has shown great talent and determination to secure their place on the Irish Paralympic Team for Paris 2024. I am really excited to see what our Para Triathletes can do at the Games.”
Darren Coombes, Triathlon Ireland CEO said: “This is a really special day for a fantastic group of athletes. The qualification journey has been arduous as the standard of elite para triathlon continues to rise globally. We are extremely proud to have such a strong team travelling to Paris to compete for Team Ireland in what will be an iconic race. This achievement is driven by the total commitment of Cassie, Judith and Chloe and their guides, but it is owned in part by our entire community – clubs, race organisers, funding partners, coaches and staff – who have united to ensure we can deliver quality paratriathlon events, host integrated elite training camps and ensuring that ambitious para athletes are celebrated and supported within our sport. The team now travel to Portugal for a world class pre-event training camp, supported by the TI Performance Team and Paralympics Ireland. Today they celebrate the qualification achievement with family and friends, before the focus switches back immediately to performing in Paris. Congratulations to the entire team.”
A total of 120 para-triathletes from around the world, competing in six categories will start at the Pont Alexandre III, with their hopes set on the 11 Paralympic medals waiting at the finish line. The Paralympic Games will run from Wednesday 28th of August to Sunday 8th of September, with 35 Team Ireland athletes joining The Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Cassie Cava: PST4
Chloe MacCombe & guide Catherine Sands: PTVI
Judith MacCombe & guide Eimear Nicholls: PTVI
