Down native Erin McConnell won two medals on her elite triathlon debut this week in Austria.
McConnell came second and got a silver medal in the Women’s U23 Race on Thursday, a second behind Italy’s Bianca Seregeni.
This race doubled as an event for Elite Women, in which she also competes under. She came third in that category with her time of 32.26 and winning a bronze medal for her efforts.
McConnell has been competing in triathlons for several years but it was her first time representing Ireland at an elite level.
“It means everything to me..”
?? Ireland’s freshly minted European elite ?and U23 ?Aquathlon medalist @_erinmcc is justifiably proud with her podium performance at the @ETUtriathlon champs in Austria ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ypaw4JNuW7
— Triathlon Ireland (@tri_ireland) June 24, 2021
McConnell joined the Elite Triathlon squad Ireland aged 15, after competing in swimming from the age of 4. Since then, She has enjoyed great success, which includes a National Champion title and third place in the 2018 European Cup.
In her Instagram post she thanked her coaches and family for their support in her career, saying she couldn’t have done it without them.
View this post on Instagram
McConnell also competed in the Relay team with fellow Irish triathletes – Maeve Gallagher, Ian Manthey and Sabian Kulczynski at the European Mixed Team Relay Champs.
The team finished 16th among the best in Europe, gaining great experience for the future in this format.
Well done Erin and here’s to more medals in the future!