Lauren Parker clinches gold in para-triathlon at the Games

Lauren Parker has lived out her gold medal dreams after securing first place in the Women’s Individual PWTC triathlon in the Paralympic Games.

After missing out on winning gold by just a second to American competitor Kendall Gretsch in the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Parker redeemed herself in her second Games.

The 35-year-old's performance had her finishing one minute 23 seconds ahead of Gretsch, which her victory kickstarted the successful run for Australia to secure seven gold medals by the end of Day 5 on Monday.

Emotionally thrilled with her performance, Parker spoke to reporters highlighting the incredible training journey she’s been on to get gold since her life-changing injury in 2017.

"I can't believe it, a dream come true today," Parker said.

"I've been through a lot in the last three years, and it just sums up everything I've been through and worked hard towards.

"I've had the goal of getting the gold medal here in Paris ever since Tokyo. Every single session I've been putting myself through in training I've had that vision, and I can't believe I've done that today.

“I never thought I'd be able to get back into sport let alone compete at the Paralympic Games and winning a gold medal. It means everything, I've been through so much since then as well, the emotional rollercoaster I've been through, pushing through every single day, every single second just to be here."

Parker is now on track to become Australia’s first dual-sport gold medallist at a Paralympic Games since 1976.

All of Australia and her supportive sponsor Red Energy will be keeping their eyes out for her in her upcoming cycling events in the Women’s H1-3 Individual Time Trial and Women’s Hi-4 Road Race.