Lauren Parker Wins Paralympic Gold in Triathlon

Lauren Parker secured a gold medal in the women's PTWC triathlon at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, avenging her narrow defeat to American Kendall Gretsch in Tokyo three years ago. After a postponement due to poor water quality, Parker dominated the race, establishing a significant lead during the 750m swim and maintaining her advantage throughout the cycling and running segments. She finished with a time of one hour, six minutes and 23 seconds, over a minute ahead of Gretsch, who took silver. This victory marks Australia's seventh gold medal of the Games and represents a personal triumph for Parker, who has faced significant challenges since a life-altering accident in 2017. Parker expressed her emotional victory as a culmination of hard work and determination, stating, 'I can't believe it. A dream come true today.' Canadian Leanne Taylor completed the podium by winning bronze.