Mel Nicholls is eyeing an unexpected return to the Paralympic circuit

Llanelli will always hold a special place in Mel Nicholls’ heart. The paratriathlete from Worcester stormed to silver at the British Triathlon Super Series race in Wales this weekend, almost one year to the day since she took part in her maiden race. Ad A seasoned wheelchair racer, with two Paralympic Games already under her belt, Nicholls made her debut in Llanelli last year and hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down.

TriathlonSophie Coldwell finally had her fairytale triathlon ending18 HOURS AGO And with a second-place finish and personal best this time round, Nicholls is enjoying being back at the elite level in a new and challenging sport. «Last year I went into Llanelli knowing that it was my first ever triathlon, so my plans were very different,†she said. »I looked at it as a one-off because I had no idea about triathlon whatsoever and no targets other than just going out and enjoying it.

«So, to come back a year later and do Llanelli again, it did feel slightly different. »This time my goal was to test out things I had done over winter but equally, to go in and have fun again. «I was the only female athlete this year so I was racing [alongside] the men, but I quite liked that.

Because if the challenge is harder, then you can push yourself more. »It was about challenging myself to see what position I can be and where I could shave off those seconds or minutes to catch up to first. «I've really enjoyed being in that elite environment again and I didn't realise how much I missed it until I came back.