Pursuing Paris

Imagine the headline: The plucky underdog and her persuit to the Paralympics in Paris!

A lot of you probably know that I do triathlons. And that my goal is to represent ireland at the Paralympic Games in Paris in September 2024 competing in paratriathlon.

But I need to fund my way there.

You’ll also be aware that I am one half of “The Tandem Twins”, competing alongside my twin sister, Chloe.

However, for this Tandem Twin, the journey has not been straight forward. I feel I have had to fight for every opportunity.

I am currently trying to build my way back up to competing at an elite level - competing nationally before moving onto continental cups - which offer some world ranking points and no Paralympic qualifying points. Then I will be eligible to compete at World Cup and World Series races - both of which offer good world ranking points as well as Paralympic qualification points.

I am racing a continental cup in Mauritius in September in order to prove that my guide, Eimear, and I, are capable and able to perform at an elite level. This continental cup feels like it is make or brake for me and the Paris Paralympics.

Following the continental cup there is a World Cup in Portugal in October. This will be my first real (and slightly late!) chance to start earning my qualification for Paris.

The journey doesn’t stop there.

Because I am fairly low in the rankings and have started my pursuit of points late in the year, at the start of 2024 I will have to be selective about where I race. This will inevitably mean a lot more travel. Tasmania, Abu Dhabi and Yokohama. These races offer big points and it’s unlikely that my European competitors will travel these distances to compete.

As you can imagine. This journey is not cheap.

Chloe is fortunate enough to receive funding from Sport Ireland which can cover her travel costs for races. This is due to her position in the top 5 in the world rankings.

I, however, am ranked 21st on the table. Therefore I am still fully self funded on my journey.

And that’s why I’m here.

Anyone who knows my story, or knows me, knows that this is difficult for me.

I don’t like asking for help and I certainly don’t like asking for money.

But I know that in order to compete at Paris I cannot do it on my own.

I know there are many great charities out there and many funds for finding cures for many different diseases and illnesses. For me to ask for your money in order to compete in a sport seems ludicrous to me but I feel I have few options left.

So here come the puppy dog eyes - please give what you can.

And if you know of any companies or organisations that could perhaps sponsor or donate a bigger amount that would be excellent please feel free to pass on my details / information.