Stunning performance by Morrison to beat some of the World’s best Ireland’s Aileen Morrison put in a stunning performance in the last World Championship Series race of 2011 placing 4th in Yokohama, Japan. Morrison beat some of the world’s best on her way including 2011 World Champion Helen Jenkins.
The 1500m swim in Yokohama bay was lead by Lucy Hall and World Champion Helen Jenkins with Morrison also having a fine swim to exit in 3rd just 16 seconds down on the leaders. Morrison was soon joined by a group of about 25 who worked hard to pull back the two early leaders on the 40km bike leg.
Heading out for the 10km run Morrison was in contention and ran sub 35 minutes to sprint to the line for 4th place, just 4 seconds off the podium.
Morrison’s best performance at this level is a 3rd place finish in Hamburg last year however her performance had dipped this season. This display shows Morrison is back to her best and is an encouraging sign less than a year out from the London Olympics. “I’m delighted with the result, it’s exciting to see all the hard work with my coaches paying off.” Morrison said afterwards.
Triathlon Ireland High Performance Coach, Chris Jones commented after the race “Aileen is back to the highest level after a very difficult year with some small setbacks. Training has been consistent since the European Championships and she gained huge confidence from solid performances in London and Beijing.”
“Yokohama is testament to how hard she has worked to get back to full fitness and once again shows her potential as a world class athlete.”
With renewed confidence in her abilities, Morrison will now move to Florida for a training camp in preparation for the Huatulco World Cup in Mexico before finishing the season off in Korea. Morrison will then enjoy a short break before building towards the 2012 London Olympics.
