Para-triathlon guide Nicole Walters set to make history with ParalympicsGB at Rio 2016
Nicole Walters has become the third University of Bath-based athlete to be selected for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after being named in the history-making para-triathlon squad.
The Sport & Exercise Science graduate, who still trains at the University, will act as guide for visually-impaired Melissa Reid when the sport makes its debut on the Paralympic programme this summer.
Former Team Bath swimmer David Hill has also been selected in the ParalympicsGB team – he reached the 100m backstroke final at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games while being coached by Mark Skimming at the Sports Training Village.
Walters and Reid have been competing together since 2013 and capped their debut season together by winning World Para-Triathlon Championships gold in Hyde Park, London.
They have gone on claim more medals at the World and European Championships, as well as silver in Rio at last year’s Paralympic Games test event.
“It’s everything I’ve worked for, so to be confirmed in the team for Rio is amazing,” said Reid, who competes in the PT5 classification.
“The support from everyone around me has been fantastic to get me to my first Paralympics. I hope to perform at my best in Rio and challenge for a spot on the podium.”
Great Britain has qualified the highest number of slots of any country in para-triathlon, meaning it will be the best represented when the athletes take to the water and streets around Copacabana. Competition consists of a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5k run.
Athlete Paul Blake, coached by Rob Ellchuk, and wheelchair fencer Piers Gilliver have already been selected by ParalympicsGB for the Rio Games.
Joining the University of Bath-based athletes in the squad are two graduates – sailor Alexandra Rickham and wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt.
