PONTEVEDRA, Spain – Kendall Gretsch, Carson Clough, Grace Norman and Owen Cravens, guided by Kevin McDowell, captured the USA’ third consecutive gold medal within the Paratriathlon Combined Relay World Championship on Sunday, Sept. 27, on the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals.
For the reason that occasion was launched on the World Championships in 2024, the USA has received all three editions. No different nation has claimed the world title.
The Para Combined Relay World Championship options 4 athletes from completely different classifications, every finishing a 125-meter swim, 3.8-kilometer bike and 800-meter run. Regardless of a 10-second penalty the group must overcome, the U.S. crossed the end line in 48 minutes, 43 seconds, edging Australia by six seconds. Brazil completed third in 49:01.
Gretsch (PTWC) opened the relay for the U.S., exiting the water and finishing the primary bike and run leg with the People sitting fourth. With no requirement for a particular gender to race a selected leg, Gretsch discovered herself beginning alongside largely male opponents.
“It’s a lot enjoyable to start out everybody collectively, and at all times simply to remain as near the blokes as I can,” stated Gretsch.
Clough (PTS3) took over for the second leg, utilizing his bike and run to maneuver the U.S. into hanging distance of the rostrum. “I do not know if I handed anybody, I do not suppose I bought handed by anybody, however I went as laborious as I may…thank goodness Grace, Owen, and Kendall pulled us by way of,” stated Clough.
Norman (PTS5) was subsequent for the third leg. Undefeated in World Triathlon racing since 2021, Norman delivered a strong bike and run leg to maneuver the People into third place, however she additionally knew she had a 10-second dismount penalty ready for her, including one other layer of technique to her race.
“I knew earlier than I began that I must serve a penalty, so I used to be attempting to maintain that in thoughts…after I noticed the leaders, I used to be attempting to make up on them but additionally give myself sufficient cushion so I may cease…however yeah redline on a regular basis, and it was simply so enjoyable,” stated Norman.
That left Cravens, guided by Tokyo Olympic silver medalist McDowell, with the anchor leg. The pair started their leg a couple of minute behind the leaders however shortly started closing the hole.
Cravens and McDowell got here out of the water in fourth earlier than passing Australia’s Jack Howell on the bike. The pair entered the second transition alongside Brazil’s Sergio Silva and Howell, however a fast transition put the People into hanging distance of the lead and lower their deficit in half.
“I haven’t run like that in awhile, so I simply noticed the folks in entrance of me and needed to hunt them down, and that is my greatest distance, the shorter the higher for me. I can at all times rip a 700 or 800 [meter run],” stated Cravens.
With McDowell guiding him by way of the ultimate leg, Cravens continued to chase down the leaders and convey the U.S. to the entrance of the race. “I imply I really like this group. It’s enjoyable, and I knew we needed to again it up and convey it residence, and I used to be simply preserving [Cravens] going…so, I don’t know, gotta be the cheer help too, whereas on the group,” stated McDowell.
The hassle secured the USA its third consecutive Paratriathlon Combined Relay World Championship and prolonged the nation’s undefeated document within the occasion.
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