Hailey Danisewicz claimed gold in the women's PT2 event as America earned the top three positions ©Getty Images

Brazil swept the podium in the men’s PT3 class at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Para-triathlon test event in front of a home crowd in Rio de Janeiro, as the sport prepares to make its Paralympic debut next year.

Jorge Luis Fonseca proved to be the dominant force throughout the race as he broke away early and stayed clear of his competitors throughout the duration of the 750 metres swim, 20 kilometres cycle and 5km run to take gold in 1 hour 08min 41sec.

He was followed home by team mate Roberto Carlos Silva, who ended the course in 1:15:50, while Edson Dantas crossed the line 18 seconds later to complete the all-Brazilian top three.

The United States were also able to claim the top three places on the podium, dominating the women’s PT2 class with Hailey Danisewicz leading the way. 

Danisewicz completed the course in 1:24:37, making her one of six American athletes to provisionally meet the qualification standards for next year’s Paralympics.

"It's so exciting and I'm honoured to be one of the pioneers in the sport," Danisewicz said.

"I think all of us are so lucky to be able to do that.

"Rio's been awesome, great food, great people, really awesome hospitality - it's really surpassed all my expectations.

"It makes me even more excited for next year."

Germany’s Martin Schulz earned gold in the men's PT4 event
Germany’s Martin Schulz earned gold in the men's PT4 event ©Getty Images

Danisewicz’s team-mates Melissa Stockwell and Allysa Seely clinched silver and bronze in the event, finishing in 1:26:25 and 1:28:25 respectively.

British athletes earned gold medals in the final two women’s events as Lauren Steadman led from the front of the PT4 race to take victory ahead of America’s Grace Norman and fellow Briton Faye Mcclelland, finishing in 1:08:46.

Steadman’s triumph was followed by a win for Alison Patrick in the PT5 class , crossing the line in 1:09:13, ahead of team-mate Melissa Reid coming home 1:02 behind to earn the silver medal.

One of the closest races of the day saw Australia’s Bill Chaffey take the men’s PT1 event, finishing just 16 seconds ahead of America’s Krige Schabort.

Germany’s Martin Schulz was a minute clear of Canada’s Stefan Daniel in the PT4 event.

Russia’s Vasily Egorov earned victory in the men’s PT2 event, completing the course in 1:08:58.

A time of 1:08:23 proved enough for Spain’s Jose Luis Garcia Serrano in the PT5 event.



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