Search
shop

Not even third-degree burns can stop unbreakable Lauren Parker

It seems nothing can stop Lauren Parker after an astonishing achievement in St George on Saturday.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

There are sporting triumphs, then there are sporting triumphs over adversity and then there is Lauren Parker.

The Australian paratriathlete went into Saturday’s IRONMAN World 70.3 Championship in St George with third-degree burns to her feet after sustaining the injuries during race week.

Lauren was waiting in a van in Utah while coach Brad Fernley dismantled bikes at the back of it. As she waited, she put her feet up on the dashboard – the temperature inside the van was 45 degrees.

When Fernley came to the front of the van some 40 minutes later he was horrified, but Lauren had no idea of what was happening. The blisters she had suffered blew up that night like saucers, and had to be burst. By the next morning a trip to the hospital was needed.

At that stage it would have been difficult to foresee Lauren still competing in a few short days, but it appears nothing can stop the 32-year-old Tokyo silver medalist. And she made it to the start line with two nurses on hand to provide focused support on race day.

Nurses on hand to support Lauren

The nurses – Marci Nell and Sydnee Slack – would change the dressings on her wounds before and after the swim and then at the end of the race, to make sure they were safely and properly covered.

Lauren Parker with nurses Marci Nell (left) and Sydnee Slack (right).

Just 24 hours before the race, Lauren had posted on Instagram: “World Champs in St. George, Utah tomorrow on one of the toughest courses…not sure how I’m going to go without a 70.3 training prep done and hardly any training since the Paralympics and not to mention 3rd degree burns over my both my feet but I’m just going out there to enjoy the experience!!

“I’ve got two beautiful nurses coming to the race to change all the dressings on my feet after the swim and also at the end of the race!! They are amazing and I only met them in hospital this week and they want to make sure I’m ok.”

Lauren Parker at the start in St George on Saturday (Donald Miralle, Getty Images for IRONMAN).

When race day arrived Lauren made it into the water as planned, and with the support of her medical team, and completed the race in 7:54:43 to finish first in her category.

Fittingly both Marci and Sydnee were on hand at the finishing line to be with Lauren as she received her medal.

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
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Jolien Vermeylen wins Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 women’s results: Jolien Vermeylen stuns big guns for famous DEBUT win
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
WATCH LIVE NOW: Supertri Toronto 2025 as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Sam Long wins IRONMAN 703 Gulf Coast 2023 [Photo credit: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images for IRONMAN]
Sam Long opens up on US triathlon stars struggling in Europe after big move brought ‘complete mental breakdown’
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
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...