Disappointment for Morrison

The race in Sydney was Morrison’s first major one of the season as she begins her build up to the London Olympics and with many nations using it as a qualifying eliminator it was arguably a stronger field than will be present in Hyde Park on August 4th.

Morrison got off to a flying start coming out of the water at the end of the 1500m swim in fourth place.

Triathlon Ireland’s High Performance Director Chris Jones commented, “Aileen had an excellent swim, one of best of her career which will give her a real confidence boost going forward.”

Morrison had a quick transition and easily made the lead pack in the 40km cycle containing 29 athletes and was well positioned going into the 10km run but it wasn’t to be as the Derry athlete, citing stomach problems didn’t have her best run and drifted off the pace to finish 28th.

“Aileen just didn’t have her running legs today. Having said that, it was her first race at this level in over six months so we’ll take the positives from the swim and bike and continue to build towards London,” commented Jones.

Morrison, who place in the Olympics is already assured, added: “I was happy with my swim and the bike felt good but once I started running I just didn’t feel great.”