LOCAL girl Katie Kelly has triumphed at the Paralympics in Rio with a gold medal in the triathlon.
Kelly and her triathlon guide Michellie Jones, took on the gruelling course which included a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run and won the PT5 category.
Kelly Suffers from Usher syndrome which causes vision and hearing loss.
Katie grew up in Casino but has resided in Armidale and has spent plenty of time running the roads to prepare her for her triathlon races.
Kelly’s mother Eileen was raised in Armidale before moving to Casino.
Both parents were in Rio to watch their daughter compete and Eileen said it was an exciting race and she was incredibly proud of her daughter’s performance.
“It was an amazing win,” she said.
“It meant that our anxieties were over.
“Such a complicated sport, anything can go wrong.
“She had taught us as parents what real courage and commitment means.
“Michellie Jones was great and her experience made them the best team.”
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
