Search
shop

Paralympics at Paris 2024: British superstar Lauren Steadman reveals great pride at recovering from COVID nightmare to medal glory

Lauren Steadman was rightly proud of what she achieved in the French capital on Monday.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lauren Steadman was not able to claim another Paralympics gold medal at Paris on Monday, but she had already achieved something incredible just by making the start line.

The 31-year-old British superstar did way more than just starting the women’s PTS5 showdown in the French capital, she completed it and won a bronze medal. A medal which, given everything she has endured in recent months, left her with immense pride.

Advertisement

A COVID curveball

Just being able to make the start line was an achievement for Steadman after she caught COVID on the way home from that cancelled race in Abu Dhabi in March. The impact on her was huge, affecting her lungs and her breathing – and obviously her preparation for the greatest show on earth. She was unable to swim, bike or run in the aftermath.

In the end Lauren went into Monday’s showdown with great rivals Grace Norman and Claire Cashmore on the back of zero competitive races in 2024. Unsurprisingly, her expectations were low.

Speaking after the race, she admitted: “I had zero expectations today. COVID threw a massive spanner in the works for me. If I would have said to you I would do a hard run a few months ago, I’d be in bed for two days. Just to be on the start line (today) was fantastic. There was a moment last year when I didn’t think I would be (racing) here today.”

Winning bronze, and a feeling of pride

Lauren was right at the front of the race until the run, when Tokyo silver medallist Norman’s superior speed finally shook off her British rivals. It was a terrific race, and one which Steadman was rightly proud of. Just getting there, and being able to compete, was victory in itself.

“So that medal, I think I’ve had my moment,” she explained.

“It was great to get that gold medal three years ago, but crossing the line today was just overwhelming more than anything. It’s taken everything I got to get here. I’m immensely proud of myself.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders provides BIG update on triathlon comeback
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...