Morrison wins ITU medal

LONDONDERRY'S leading female triathlete, Aileen Morrison, secured her first ever podium finish - indeed Ireland's first ever medal - at an International Triathlete Union World Championship event in Hamburg on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2010, 10:51 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2010, 10:51 BST

Warm temperatures meant Aileen had to contend with a top class international field and temperatures of up to 26 degrees celsius. The talented North West triathlete finished third behind Lisa Norden and Emma Moffat in Hamburg. Norden won in 1:53:53, Moffat crossing line less than a second later with Aileen another two seconds back.

In collecting her Bronze medal, Morrison completed the second fastest run of the triathlon and took part in a three-way battle for honours down the home straight of the Dextro Energy Triathlon.

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The result continues the Derry athlete's steady rate of improvement this season after she finished fifth at the ETU European Championships Tri-Athlone.

Aileen's performances this season have not gone unnoticed with some pundits already tipping her for an Olympic medal in 2012.

Brian Mahony of the International Triathlon Union commented: "Aileen is recognised for having raw natural talent and there is little doubt that if the right funding is secured, she will be a strong contender for an Olympic medal in 2012."

Speaking after the event, Aileen said she was delighted to have put in such a competitive performance against such a top class field.

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"I feel like I'm in a dream right now. I don't know what just happened. That is by far the best finish of my career. To be in a sprint with Emma and Lisa was unbelievable. I couldn't be happier right now," she explained.

Related topics:Ireland