Tom Barnard journeys from paratriathlon novice to Paralympic hopeful

Portsmouth paratriathlete Tom Barnard has gone from sporting novice to Paralympic hopeful. The 29-year-old, who competes in PTS5 events across the World Super Series, struggled with sport when he was younger due to his disability. Ad It was in fact an opportunity provided by a relative that started his sporting journey, and now there are few limits to his ambitions.

TriathlonPTO announces new behind-the-scenes docuseries for 2023 season27/03/2023 AT 16:34 «In 2019 my aunt invited me to cycle and from there I started to learn how to swim, and I took part in more able-bodied triathlons. It was only last year that I saw the British Triathlon pathway programme and I thought I could try that,» said Barnard, who is being supported by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) through SportsAid this year. «For me the best thing is meeting new people, seeing what experiences they've had to come through.

It shows me that my own problems aren't as bad as other peoples, so in theory they have gone through a lot worse than I have to do sport. »My best highlight probably was coming first overall in the Super Series last year — it's just all little stepping stones to the goals I'd like to have in the future. «I'm hoping to get to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia because I think the Paris Paralympics might be a bit too soon, and then after that the LA Paralympics.