Australia’s Jack Howell (PTS5) and Sam Harding (PTVI) take on the World Triathlon Para Series in Taranto, Italy tomorrow, buoyed by the ground-breaking announcement that Venice Beach will host para triathlon at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games – with all sport classifications now represented and a record 12 medals up for grabs.
For the first time in Paralympic history, all six para triathlon classes (PTWC, PTVI, PTS2–5) will feature events for both men and women at LA28, cementing the sport’s place as a core feature of the Games and providing a platform for 120 athletes to shine.
AustTriathlon Head of Paralympic Program, Megan Hall OLY, said the news was welcomed by everyone and highlighted the global growth of the sport.
“It’s an exciting time for our Australian athletes, and our competitors globally, in para triathlon,” Hall said.
“Like our Olympic counterparts, we will now have the incredible opportunity to showcase our sport and athletes at the iconic Venice Beach.
“Over the past two Paralympic cycles, para triathlon has experienced rapid growth. With 12 medals on offer, this marks a significant milestone, and I believe sends a clear message: para triathlon is here to stay as a key part of the Paralympic program.”
The news could not come at a better time AusTriathlon with the confirmation that the highly successful Paralympic Pathway Hub in Victoria has been extended through to LA 2028. The Hub is a collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), and supported by Paralympics Australia, based out of the VIS in Melbourne.
Training camps are also located in Essendon at the NEC Hangar, a state-of-the-art facility that also serves as the Essendon Football Club’s High-Performance Centre. The facility includes a world-class gym, two high-altitude rooms and a three-lane lap pool along with neighbouring environments suitable for triathlon training. Emerging and already established para triathletes will have access to expert practitioners from the VIS in the areas of performance health, wellbeing, nutrition, science and strength and conditioning.
AusTriathlon High Performance Director, Shaun Stephens, said the LA28 announcement was particularly welcomed following significant work by AusTriathlon and the Victorian Institute of Sport in recent months to strengthen the para triathlon program.
“Para triathlon is in an incredibly exciting phase, and we are focused on setting the standard of performance in the sport with our partners on the journey with us,” Stephens said.
“We are delighted with the news around LA28 and to have the support of the International Paralympic Committee and Paralympics Australia as we look to achieve further success on the road to LA and Brisbane 2032.”
Victorian Institute of Sport General Manager High Performance, Hannah Every-Hall, said the expanded program represents reinforces the importance of partnerships driving athlete development.
“The growth of the Paralympic medal program at LA28 is an exciting step forward for Para sport,” Every-Hall said.
“Through our partnership with AusTriathlon and as the home of the National Para Triathlon Hub, the VIS is committed to developing world-class para triathletes ready to thrive on the global stage.”
Paralympics Australia CEO, Cameron Murray, welcomed the move toward gender equality in para triathlon and recognised AusTriathlon and the VIS’s role in building the high performance pathway.
“Paralympics Australia warmly welcomes the inclusion of the women’s PTS3 event on the Para triathlon program for Los Angeles 2028,” Murray said.
“This important addition brings gender-equality across the classifications for the first time in its Paralympic history – an incredible milestone for the para triathlon community since its debut at Rio 2016.
“AusTriathlon is to be commended for its leadership and continued investment in strengthening the Paralympic high performance and pathway program over the last cycle. At Paralympics Australia, we’re proud to have partnered with AusTriathlon and the Victorian Institute of Sport through the para triathlon Hub, which has been central to developing athlete depth across all classes and building capability in coaches and performance support staff.
“We look forward to continuing this important partnership as we work together to elevate para triathlon to new heights on the road to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032”
World Triathlon Para Series
Saturday 7 June
Jack Howell (PTS4)
Sam Harding (PTVI)
Aaron Royle (Guide)
