Kelly looks toward ‘20
KATIE Kelly has been left with a clear plan for the Tokyo Paralympics after finishing with an uplifting bronze medal at the world triathlon championships in her backyard.
She may be a two-time world champion and defending Paralympic gold medallist but Kelly was thrilled with her efforts on Saturday after a stress fracture in her foot derailed much of her 2018 season.
“I’m really happy with that result,” said Kelly, who with guide Holly Grice rallied from fifth place.
“I knew those girls (Spanish winner Susana Rodriguez and Britain’s silver medallist Alison Patrick) were getting stronger and they’ve been competing all year. I haven’t had those races and it really counts (in championship races).”
With her main focus the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, Kelly was content to sacrifice a world title this year if it meant long-term health.
Kelly lost ground to Rodriguez and Patrick on the bike leg and while she and Grice partnered for the first time on Saturday, she knows there is plenty of upside.
“The bike is (the biggest area to improve in),” she said of synchronising well with Grice and fellow guide Briarna Silk. “And I think I can pick up the run a little bit now.”