Paralympic rookie Katie Kelly and triathlon great Michellie Jones in tandem for gold hunt
TRIATHLON great Michellie Jones has a second chance to be part of sporting history in Rio thanks to a woman on an extraordinary journey.
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TRIATHLON great Michellie Jones just missed gold when her sport made its debut at the Sydney Olympics but she now has a second chance to be part of sporting history in Rio thanks to a woman on an extraordinary journey.
In just 18 months Katie Kelly has gone from a weekend warrior with a dream to compete in the Hawaii ironman to being named on the Rio Paralympic triathlon team.
And right within touching distance in Rio will be Jones, the multiple world champion, Hawaii ironman winner and Sydney Olympic silver medallist who will act as her sighted guide.
With para-triathlon making its debut at the September Games, Kelly and Jones have the opportunity to become the first ever gold medallists in the sport.
“I guess it’s a strong parallel to Michellie and Sydney where the sport started and now this being the first Paras for triathlon,’’ said Kelly, 41, who has Usher Syndrome. which causes deafness and blindness. “I just consider myself so lucky to have her with me. She is a legend.
“It’s just quite incredible to me that in 18 months my whole life has changed like this. I’m breathless.’’
Kelly, knowing her eye sight and hearing would deteriorate, rang Triathlon Australia to inquire what her chances were of being able to qualify for a Hawaii ironman early in 2015.
“Last year I was told I was legally blind. I knew it was coming,’’ said Kelly, who has lost her peripheral vision and is now learning how to use a cane in everyday life.
“When I rang Triathlon Australia they told me about para-tri and said why not have a go. So I did.’’
Kelly, who comes from a running background, contested her first para-triathlon in March 2015, joined forces with Jones in May the same year and then won a world championship with her new guide in September.
The pair swim and run tethered together and ride on a tandem with Jones navigating the course.
“She can only go as hard as I can but if I slack off she’ll let me know for sure,’’ Kelly said.
“From that first moment Michellie and I met we just bonded. She definitely brings out the best in me.’’
Jones, born and bred in Cronulla but who now lives in the US, finished second in the first Olympic triathlon raced in the shadow of the Sydney Opera House in 2000.
Kelly will join six other triathletes in Rio with the final Paralympic team numbering 169 athletes representing 15 sports.
The team also boasts multiple world champion wheelchair racer Bill Chaffey who is a gold medal favourite.
Originally published as Paralympic rookie Katie Kelly and triathlon great Michellie Jones in tandem for gold hunt
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