Last Updated on 02/09/2024 by Crip Life
Men’s PTS3 triathlete Henry Urand is set to make his ParalympicsGB debut in Paris. The Loughborough University student made the transition from Para-cycling to Para triathlon in 2023 and has qualified for his first Paralympic Games having finished first or second in five of his six international races in the last 12 months.
As part of our ParalympicsGB debutants interview series, our editor, Emma Purcell, speaks to Henry Urand about becoming a Para triathlete, his sporting success so far and what he is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Henry Urand made his international para-triathlon debut in June last year after switching to the sport from cycling under the talent transfer programme.
Henry began cycling to aid his recovery after picking up a knee injury while playing football. He began enjoying the sport and in 2019 took part in para-classification and power testing in Manchester. He attended another session and joined the development programme in 2020.
Following the switch in 2023, he won his first British title in August followed by his first international win in Taranto in October.
Earlier this year, he claimed three consecutive finishes in the top two of PTS3 World Cup races.
Alongside elite sport, Henry is a student at Loughborough University studying Economics and has completed a placement year working at Amazon.
Henry will be part of a team of 11 Para triathletes, which will include Tokyo champion Lauren Steadman, Tokyo bronze medallist Claire Cashmore, six-time World champion Dave Ellis, Michael Taylor, Alison Peasgood and five other triathlon debutants including Mel Nicholls, Finley Jakes, Hannah Moore, Megan Richter and Oscar Kelly.
Read on to find out more about Henry Urand in his own words and scroll down to see his Paris 2024 results.
Henry Urand on living with left hemiplegia
What was it like growing up with left hemiplegia?
I think it’s like anything in life, there are obviously going to be good bits and bad bits but I was definitely lucky with how my friends and family supported me. They never let my disability define the things I can do and more importantly what I can’t do. I never saw myself as a sporty kid but they always encouraged me in whatever I chose and never pushed me.
How does living with left hemiplegia affect you on a daily basis?
I’m really lucky, I would not consider that my impairment impacts my life on a daily basis. Obviously, it takes me more time to do some tasks like cooking but I really enjoy being independent.
You sustained a knee injury while playing football. Did this cause you additional long-lasting impairment(s)?
No – I was patched up in surgery and rehabbed, which eventually led to me getting into cycling. Best thing ever.
Henry Urand on becoming a Para triathlete
You first started out as a cyclist and what did you enjoy most about the sport?
I think I enjoyed the freedom of being able to explore my local area. Cycling is a really fun activity, you can push yourself or just chill – there are some great people in the sport, and I’d strongly encourage anyone to give it a go.
What made you switch from cycling to triathlon?
It wasn’t an easy decision. Cycling is a huge part of my life and always will be. As I mentioned earlier following my knee injury, running never felt right. After some time I picked up running to balance work commitment and training, the natural competitor in me wanted to give triathlon a go.
You’ve admitted that swimming is the hardest part of the triathlon for you. Do you feel prepared enough for the swim in Paris and do you have any concerns about the quality of the water?
Yes, I feel I have done everything I can in the swim. I am a processed driven athlete and the swim is an ongoing process for me. I have progressed a lot in the last year both in the pool and open water. This is something I will continue to do ahead of LA 2028.
I feel prepared for Paris and as we have seen in the Olympics across the triathlons and marathon swimming, the water quality has been fine for the athletes. I trust the organisers to do what is best for the sport.
What has been the highlight of your triathlon career so far?
My first World Cup podium in Alhandra. This was the moment I found my feet in the sport and kicked off my qualification journey to Paris 2024.
My second highlight in the sport was winning at the Montréal World Series as I had my dad with me, which made it extra special.
Away from sport, you had a placement at Amazon. What was that experience like?
It was an eye-opening experience. I guess it was my first taste of ‘the real world’. I really enjoyed it, met some great people and most importantly learnt lots. It was a big change from uni life and training whenever I wanted to have to be really disciplined in my day.
Henry Urand on preparing for Paris 2024
How does it feel to be selected for your first Paralympic Games?
I am honoured to be selected as a part of the Para triathlon team heading out to Paris. It feels surreal at the moment, and not something I thought was possible when I switched to triathlon 15 months ago.
It means so much being able to go to Paris and showcase Para sport on the world stage. It is extra special that it is a Games that is close to home, where family and friends can come and watch.
How have your preparations been going for Paris 2024?
Good really, not had any injuries or setbacks as an athlete that’s all you ever ask for. The last few sessions in prep camp have been really positive and the fitness is definitely there.
What are you looking forward to the most at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as well as aiming to secure a medal?
Watching the other sports – there are some incredible athletes and that’s something I want to see.
You can find out more about Henry Urand by following him on Instagram.
Paris 2024 Paralympics: Triathlon results
The Para triathlon races took place on Monday 2nd September, a day later than originally scheduled due to the poor quality water in the River Seine.
Henry Urand competed in the Men’s PTS3 event, finishing 4th in a time of 1:10:24. He missed out on a podium position by the Dutch Nico Van De Burgt (bronze), the German Max Gelhaar (silver) and the Spanish Daniel Molina (gold).
Speaking after his race, Henry said: “It is always tough, fourth is probably the hardest place to finish, but I am definitely hungry for more. This isn’t the end, it is only the beginning of the story for me so I am really proud of that, I’m sure when I get into the village later tonight I will be upset with it but that is sport, it is tough and that is why we do it.”
The other ParalympicsGB triathlon results are:
- Dave Ellis – Men’s PTVI3 – Gold
- Claire Cashmore – Women’s PTS5 – Silver
- Megan Ritcher – Women’s PTS4 – Gold
- Lauren Steadman – Women’s PTS5 – Bronze
- Hannah Moore – Women’s PTS4 – Bronze
- Alison Peasgood – Women’s PTVI2 – 4th
- Michael Taylor – Men’s PTS4 – 6th
- Oscar Kelly – Men’s PTVI3 – 7th
- Mel Nicholls – Women’s PTWC1 – 7th
- Finley Jakes – PTS4 – 11th
Be sure to tune in to watch Henry Urand and the rest of the ParalympicsGB triathlon squad at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which runs from now until 8th September 2024 on Channel 4.
What is Para triathlon?
Para Triathlon made its debut on the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. Athletes compete in three disciplines: 750m of swimming, 20km of cycling followed by a final 5km run.
For the cycling section of the race, athletes may use a tandem bicycle, handcycle or bicycle, while a wheelchair may be used for the final 5km run to the finish line.
Rules ensure that athletes who have visual impairments can be assisted by a guide without giving the athletes any unfair disadvantages.