Jessica Tuomela and guide Maranne Hogan take fifth at Paralympics

In the very competitive PTVI category at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo (there were 12 athletes and their guides in the field) Canada’s Jessica Tuomela and guide Marianne Hogan weren’t able to hang on through the run to finish on the podium, taking fifth.

The para triathlon event was run over the sprint distance, with Tuomela and Hogan finishing the race in 1:12:53. Spain’s Susana Rodriguez and guide Sara Loehr led from start to finish to take gold in 1:07:15, with Italy’s Anna Barbaro and guide Charlotte Bonin taking silver in 1:11:11. France’s Annouck Curzillat and guide Celine Bousrez took bronze in 1:11:45.

The Canadians were second out of the water and remained in that position through the end of the bike, but were a minute behind the Spaniards starting the run an couldn’t maintain their hunt for the podium.

“We worked really hard and I think we executed as well as we could,” said the 38-year-old Tuomela. “The swim was awesome, and the bike was incredible. The run wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be, but this is the Paralypmic Games, and it is nothing to shake a stick at. There is room for improvement, and I think that is what is really cool about triathlon – there is always ways to get better.”

“It was an honour and a privilege to guide Jess through this Paralympic cycle, and especially here at the Paralympic Games,” said Hogan. “I’m really proud of the effort she put forward today. I think she can be really proud of everything she has done to make it to these Games and finish in fifth place.”

You can see full results of the race here.

Later today Canada’s Stefan Daniel and Kamylle Frenette will compete in the PTS5 competition in Tokyo.