Star’s big hopes for city event
CLAIRE Cashmore believes the World Triathlon Para Series coming to Swansea this summer has the potential to ignite a new era of visibility for her sport.
Cashmore, originally a Paralympic swimming champion, is now one of the world’s best paratriathletes who will descend on South West Wales on August 6.
The event will feature elite and pathway action alongside open events, giving anyone and everyone the chance to take part during the day.
The 33-year-old, who won eight Paralympic medals in the pool, made the transition to paratriathlon after the Games in Rio 2016, and the decision paid dividends when she claimed PTS5 bronze in Tokyo last summer.
Now the 2019 World Champion is encouraging others to experience the spirit and the thrill of the swim, cycle, run, and join her on the start-line, where the city bay will provide the perfect backdrop.
“I think it is really exciting,” Cashmore said. “I’m hoping, and believe, this will be the start of something really special – hopefully getting more and more people involved in such a brilliant sport.
“It is huge for showcasing our sport – which still at the moment is probably not as visible as it could be.
“We don’t have a huge amount of coverage, so people aren’t probably as aware of the different routes to getting involved in paratriathlon.
“By having the elite race coinciding with the (mass) participation event in the afternoon, having grassroots side by side with the top of our sport, that will help people see what it is all about and hopefully encourage others to get involved.
“It’ll be a brilliant event and the more people we can get down to watch or take part will help.”
Cashmore is counting down the days until the event, which, unlike the Paralympics, will give spectators the chance to see Cashmore and her competitors up close and in person. And Cashmore is determined to put on a show they’ll remember.
“Other than the World Championships, this is the highest calibre of event in the calendar this year – it is a huge deal,” she said.
“We only have three World Series events this year, so to have one in Swansea with a British crowd, I hope this will have a huge impact.
“People underestimate how a home event can give you a real advantage, that extra push.”
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Championship Series Leeds on June 11-12, triathlon and paratriathlon at Birmingham Commonwealth Games on July 29 and 31, and Volvo 2022 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea on August 6.