International Triathlon Union

Royal Marine Commando Joe Townsend lost both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2008. He got into triathlon when he completed the Ironman UK triathlon in Bolton in July 2011. He has since completed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, where he finished second in the disability category. Joe carried the Paralympic Flame into the London 2012 stadium as part of the opening ceremony. He was suspended by wires and made a dramatic overhead entrance to the arena, even though he is actually scared of heights.

Recent Highlights

- 3rd at the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam;
- 2nd place at the 2017 Edmonton ITU World Paratriathlon Series;
- 4th place at the 2017 Yokohama ITU World Paratriathlon Series;
- 6th place at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games;
- Winner of the 2016 GBR Paratriathlon National Championships; and
- 5th place at the 2016 Rotterdam ITU Paratriathlon World Championships.