Fifth place for Tom in Japan

Fifth place for Tom in Japan

28 May 2025

SAINTFIELD triathlete Tom Williamson kicked off his 2025 international campaign with a determined performance at the World Triathlon Para Series in Yokohama, Japan, securing a hard-earned fifth-place finish.

The 22-year-old Down Triathlon Club athlete, who represents Ireland on the international stage, was part of a stacked field of elite para-triathletes lining up in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar.

Yokohama, known for its vibrant atmosphere and fast, technical course, is a firm fixture in the World Triathlon Series. But this year, it presented an even tougher challenge than usual, as race day dawned with torrential rain and slippery, unpredictable conditions.

What followed was a true test of athletes’ resilience, bike handling, and race day focus.

Williamson, unfazed by the downpour, used his trademark swim strength to take an early lead.

He emerged from the water in first position, laying down a clear marker of intent and placing himself at the sharp end of the race.

In the technical 20km bike leg, he held his place with the lead group, showing composure and tactical intelligence, despite the reduced grip and poor conditions.

By the time he reached transition two, Williamson had worked himself into second place, with a podium finish within reach.

But in the closing 5km run, the chasing athletes began to close in. With the rain still falling and the pace intensifying, he wasn’t quite able to match the surge from his rivals in the final stages.

Still, he fought all the way to the line, securing fifth place - a result that betters his sixth place in Yokohama last year and underlines his steady progression at this level.

Speaking after the race, Williamson said: “Tough conditions made it a hard race from the start, and navigating the bike course definitely wasn’t easy.

“I was happy to get out on the run in second, but didn’t quite get the chance to show the run form I’ve been building over the winter.”

He added: “Now it’s back to focusing on the finer details ahead of Taranto in a few weeks.”

Now in his second full season on the world triathlon circuit, Williamson continues to grow in stature.

With his ability to deliver across all three disciplines, he has become a regular presence in the front half of international fields and is proving that he can mix it with the best.

His consistent progression over the past year earned him the title of Triathlon Ireland’s Para Triathlete of the Year in 2024—a recognition that reflects both his results and his growing impact within the sport.

With his 2025 season now underway, the focus shifts to Europe. Williamson will next compete at the World Triathlon Para Series event in Taranto, Italy, on 7 June, followed by the European Championships in Besançon, France, the following weekend.

Both events are expected to attract deep, competitive fields and offer valuable opportunities to build on a strong early-season foundation.

As the season unfolds, Williamson’s goal is to keep refining each phase of his racing and continue challenging for podium places.

If his opening performance in Yokohama is anything to go by, the signs are positive for another successful year ahead.