United States earn clean sweep of women's events at World Para-triathlon Event in Edmonton

United States secured golds in all four women's events ©Twitter

United States enjoyed a successful day at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Para-triathlon Event in Edmonton, Canada, with their women’s team claiming gold in all the categories contested.

Amy Dixon started the American gold rush as she secured her second World Para-triathlon Event win of her career having led by two minutes after the swim section of the PT5 category race and continued to extend her advantage on the way to crossing the line in 1 hour 12min 57sec.

Canada’s Christine Robbins came home second in 1:14:38, while Ireland’s Catherine Walsh secured bronze after finishing in 1:16:21.

Andrea Walton and Patricia Collins added to the US medal tally after winning the PT3 and PT4 events in times of 1:39:44 and 1:24:59 respectively, with Collins’ victory ensuring her a return to the top of the podium for the first time since competing in the TRI-5 sport class at the 2012 World Championships.

The clean sweep of the women’s events was sealed by Allysa Seel, as she produced an excellent bike leg to take the lead and a strong run section saw her cross in 1:30:33, ahead of her team mate Sarah Reinertsen in the silver medal position in 1:32:57.

“It felt great to finally grab the banner for the first time this season,” said Seely.

“It was a tough race - it was really cold, but it turned out really well, so I am very happy with it.

“My confidence has been building over this season, which is great but I still have a lot of work to do, but the end goal is Rio so I hope I will be there.”

Canada secured two golds in the men's events in front of a home crowd ©ITU

While the American men’s team were unable to repeat the same level of success as the women, Andre Cilliers was able to secure gold in the PT3 class in 1:12:00 after finishing 1:39 clear of Brazil’s Leonardo Curvelo.

However it was the hosts Canada who would be the strongest nation in the men’s competitions as Stefan Daniel held off the challenge of America’s Chris Hammer in the closely stages to claim victory in 59:29, before his compatriot Lowell Taylor claimed gold in the PT5 race in 1:12:19.

The most dominant victory of the day was secured by Italy’s Giovanni Achenza in the PT1 class after he crossed nearly six minutes clear in 1:04:05, while Mohamed Lahna earned gold in the PT2 class in a time of 1:15:08.