SaqBy James Toney in Paris
Megan Richter has admitted she was extremely shocked after winning a surprise gold medal in the Paralympic triathlon.
The Birmingham athlete won the women’s PTS4 title in a race around the French capital’s landmarks, overtaking long-time leader and team-mate Hannah Moore in the deciding race.
Richter is a former international swimmer and 2019 world medalist who only got into triathlon a few years ago.
She was not considered a medal contender for Britain in Paris but took advantage of the absence of favourite Kelly Elmlinger of the United States to seize her chance of a podium finish.
“Did it really happen like that?” she asked. “I could feel my legs starting to give out but I knew I had to push through. I was out of the race with a stress fracture last year but I went full-time a few months ago and the races started to come together at the beginning of the year. Things just fell into place and I’m so happy, the timing was perfect.”
“Ever since I was little it was all I dreamed of, I looked up to people like Ellie Simmonds and wanted to be like her.
“The races started to come together really well at the start of this season and the timing was perfect. I’ve had an incredible year travelling the world doing triathlon and now I can continue to do it full time, I’m so happy.”
The triathlon races in Paris were delayed 24 hours due to concerns about the water quality of the Seine River. Richter had no complaints, but she was disappointed that some of her friends weren’t there to watch.
“A big group from my swimming club surprised me by coming, but they had to go back to work unfortunately as the race was due to take place on Sunday,” she said.
“The crowd was amazing. It’s so cool to have so many people watching and cheering you on, it’s not something we’re used to with para-triathlon.
“The water quality was good. It was one of the nicest crossings I’ve done this year. Big kudos to Paris for cleaning up their biggest river. I know there were some issues but they did a really good job. I can’t imagine swimming across London in the Thames.”
Richter, aged just 23, now hopes her gold will allow her to focus full time on her training and studies, where she is studying for a masters in cardiovascular science at the University of Birmingham.
“I have this medal now, it would be nice to see where I take it,” she added.
“Defending my title in Los Angeles feels like a great thing and I’ll do everything I can to make it happen. I’m so grateful for all the support I get to play this incredible sport and make a living out of it.
“I used to be a swimmer and I trained so hard for so long that I can’t believe this happened to me at my first Paralympic Games. This has always been my goal, so I’m so happy that my dream has come true.”
Aldi is proud to be the Official Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024.
Saq
