Paralympic silver medallist, Alison Patrick lines up in the PTVI paratriathlon next Friday at the ITU World Championships on the Gold Coast. The 30 year-old visually impaired athlete goes up against the Paralympic champion, Katy Kelly, who will have the Australian home crowd behind her.
Patrick is quietly confident about her form, happy with her new guide and has some advice for anyone considering applying to be a funded paratriathlon guide in the run up to Tokyo 2020. Here’s what she had to say ahead of the world championships next Friday.
You relocated to Stirling, how is that working out for you?
Yeah, I moved to Stirling in February to work with Bex Milnes. Have built a good coach athlete relationship as well as working well with the physio based there. I’ve been making great gains to my core strength. It is also lovely to see my nephews and family more.
And how is training going on the Gold Coast?
I’m starting to settle into a good routine. I have (guides) Hannah (Drewett) and Rosie (Lindsey) both here, so we’re getting a good mix of working with race guides and having all sessions covered.
Who do you see as your main competition on the Gold Coast?
It would have to be the Australian, Katy Kelly. I haven’t raced her since the Paralympics and she also has a new guide so should be exciting.
Is there anything special or different about this course?
Not in particular, it’s a fairly straightforward course with a few technical bits.
You won the European title again earlier this year, but we’ve not seeing you racing so much, why’s that?
I have been in a good position to race this year but unfortunately not had the support from racing guides that I needed to allow me to race everything I wanted to. Hannah stepped in last minute to do Eton Dorney and think she has fallen in love with it.
You’re racing with Hannah Drewett again, how are you finding the new partnership?
It’s still in early stages but Hannah has a great attitude and is learning and developing all the time. She stepped up to guide me in this race, I’m not sure either of us thought we would be doing a worlds together so soon, but I’m really grateful for her commitment and determination.
What key skills do you think a paratriathlon guide needs?
Communication is a big one as I have to have complete trust in them. A good attitude to learning and working as part of team is also essential.
The closing date for guide applications is 20 September, what would you say to anyone thinking of applying?
If you’re a strong triathlete and want a different challenge, then there is nothing to lose. The Paralympics was an amazing experience and I’d love to share this journey with some great people. They can expect to fall in love with riding a tandem and going fast! They’ll be put through their paces at the assessment day, but it’s also important to see how they interact with each other and the wider team.
Could you guide visually impaired athletes at the next Paralympic Games? Find out more about Guides for Gold.
Find out more about Alison via her online athlete profile page.
See the full GB Paratriathlon squad for the ITU World Championships HERE.
