Local Olympian Ainsley Thorpe has crashed out of the Women’s Individual Triathlon in rain at Odaiba Marine Park at the Tokyo Olympics this morning.
Seven other riders were forced to retire hurt after falling during the bike leg in the greasy conditions. Persistent rain forced the delay of the race by 15 minutes.
Thorpe was placed 15th coming out of the 1.5km swim leg.
Thorpe, who attended Cockle Bay School, Somerville Intermediate and Howick College, will also compete in the Mixed Team Relay. Her brother, Trent Thorpe, has been selected as a travelling reserve.
It will be disappointing for Thorpe, 23, who went into the Games in top form, with a recent second place in the U23 category at the World Triathlon Oceania’s in Port Douglas in June and fourth overall. The Oceania 2020 Sprint Champion and World Cup circuit podium winner will no doubt have her eyes set on the relay now.
Her team mate Nicole van der Kaay remains in the race. Flora Duffy of Bermuda currently comfortably leads the final 10km run leg with a lap to go.
