Faye McClelland, Lauren Steadman and Clare Cunningham lit up the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in Hyde Park with a one-two-three in the Tri-4 category.
Britain’s paratriathletes won a further five gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic venue to maintain their position as the leading paratriathlon nation in the world.
Faye McClelland won her fourth world title in a row after sitting out most of the year studying for her university finals.
She said: “I had so many doubts and today, more so than ever. I knew I had to work hard on the bike. I eventually passed Lauren [Steadman} on the bike, I didn’t know I’d be able to do that so I’m ecstatic.”
Clare Cunningham, who finished third, underlined Britain’s strength in this category, saying: “It’s really tough just to make the team, but you know if you do you’re in a good position to win a medal.”
Britain was successful in the blind and visually impaired categories. Melissa Reid and David Ellis won Tri-6b gold medals and Chris Goodwin won Tri-6a (blind) gold.
Reid said: “The support was amazing, it’s the first time any of my family has ever come to watch. I hope it means a lot to them.”
David Ellis, who is new to triathlon this year from a Paralympic swimming background, said: “It was awesome. The support was amazing. We thought we’d have a chance at a medal and that if everything went well we’d be close, and it did go well.”
Matt Emmerson retained his Tri-5 world title. A stress fracture in his bad leg, injured playing rugby, has kept him out of competition this year but hard work during the final British Triathlon preparation camp clearly paid off.
“I’m ecstatic, I really can’t believe it, I’m so happy.”
Jane Egan made it three world titles in four years with a stunning victory in the Tri-1 category. She said: “This is such a big race to be able to win in, it’s amazing. I got silver last year so I’m absolutely thrilled. I think my bike was probably really one of my best.”
Summing up her experience of being part of the British team, she added: “It’s so exciting. There are so many interesting, cool people that are part of this sport and to be part of it is life changing for me.”
Great Britain Paratriathlon medal winners:
Tri1
1. Jane Egan, GBR, 1:19:44
2. Karen Darke, GBR, 1:20:48
Tri3
2. Eleni Papadopoulos, GBR, 1:24:06
2. Steven Judge, GBR, 1:16:54
Tri4
1. Faye Mcclelland, GBR, 1:16:35
2. Lauren Steadman, GBR, 1:17:41
3. Clare Cunningham, GBR, 1:19:05
Tri5
1. Matthew Emmerson, GBR, 1:11:44
3. George Peasgood, GBR, 1:13:08
Tri6a
1. Chris Goodwin, GBR, 1:07:53 (guide Ben Howard)
3. Haseeb Ahmad, GBR, 1:14:17 (guide Ben Matthews)
Tri6b
1. Melissa Reid, GBR, 1:13:24 (guide Nicole Walters)
3. Charlotte Ellis, GBR, 1:18:00 (guide Jenny Manners)
1. David Ellis, GBR, 1:04:15 (guide Luke Watson)
3. Iain Dawson, GBR, 1:07:44 (guide Matt Ellis)
