Oonagh Payne’s World Aquathlon Silver Experience
Back in August, Oonagh Payne won a superb silver medal for Ireland in the F16-19 AG at the World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Samorin, Slovakia.
We asked Oonagh to tell us a little about her experience of racing with Tri-Team Ireland and her plans for the future.
- Remember, applications for all the 2023 Europe and World Triathlon Championship events are open – if you’d like to represent Ireland on the international stage head to our Age Group Selection page and find out more.
Having qualified two years ago at the Lake at Kilrea (National Aquathlon Champs), and then with last year’s event in Amsterdam being cancelled due to COVID, this year’s World Multisport Championships seemed a long time coming.
Training through 2022 had to be built in around A level studies, university applications and interviews. Luckily I was still able to get to Slovakia. The facilities at the X-bionic Sphere in Samorin were world class and incredible to experience. With it being on at same time as The Collins Cup was a massive bonus, leading to a slightly surreal experience of registering alongside the world’s best. It was also great to meet other athletes from teams all around the world.
The event itself involved swimming in The Danube and then running in 35 degree temperatures. Luckily there were much needed water sprays. It was an incredible honour to compete for Ireland and to be cheered on (by the Americans in particular) all the way round with shouts of ‘Go Ireland’.
I felt extremely proud to stand on the podium and collect a medal in national colours, particularly as it was the same day as my A level results.
Just this week I have started at Queens University where I plan to join the Triathlon team here. In my sights is next year’s World Multisport Games in Ibiza, so exams permitting I would hope to do the age group Aquathlon again in 2023.
