Nicholls claims first international gold medal in Portugal

TEWKESBURY’S Mel Nicholls won a gold medal at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Alhandra, Portugal.

It was a debut win for Nicholls who claimed her first international gold medal in the women’s PTWC event.

The two-time Paralympian in para-athletics only took part in her first paratriathlon in May and, after coming close to a medal in Swansea last month, was on the top step of the podium at her first overseas paratriathlon event.

“It still feels surreal and I’m still smiling from the race,” she said on Instagram.

“It wasn’t until the last km that I let myself believe I could take the win.

“A final sprint effort up the blue carpet and through the tape, I punched the air at myself, at life, as much as the race.

“I’d delivered. I really didn’t want to let anyone down and I was super happy for the team, what a team.”