Cooper Claims 55-59yrs Aquathlon Silver

It was a good start for the Irish Team at the ITU World Triathlon Championship festival with two medals won at Wednesday's Aquathlon World Championships.

Competitors completed a 750 metre swim followed by a 5 kilometre run all taking place by the Monroe Harbour on Chicago's waterfront.

Ireland's 55-59 years European Aquathlon Champion, Neil Cooper was back in action again and produced another brilliant performance to claim the silver medal at the Aquathlon World Championships. The Bangor athlete emerged from the water in 2nd position and also had the 2nd fastest run of the day to claim the silver medal. The race was won by Daniel Wirls of the USA in a time of 33:04 with Cooper stopping the clock at 35:02. Bronze went to another USA competitor, Mike Lyle in a time of 35:25.

Cooper is back in action on Saturday afternoon for the Standard Distance ITU World Triathlon Championships.

Gary Swenarton from County Down narrowly missed out on a medal in the men's 60-64 year age category. Swenarton was down in 16th position out of the water but a strong 5 kilometre run brought him right back into the mix. Bronze went to Chuck Chokel of the USA in a time of 39:53 with Swenarton closing with every stride, finishing in a time of 39:56.

Swenarton is also back racing on Saturday afternoon for the Standard Distance Triathlon.

Nicolas Dewalque with guide Eamonn Tilley were competing in the PT5 category for visually impaired athletes, completing the course in 45:58 for the bronze medal.