University of Stirling athlete Tom Williamson has secured his first ever podium finish at the World Paratriathlon Series – taking silver in the early-season competition, held on the Italian coast.

Sports scholar Williamson, from Ireland, put in an impressive performance to finish second in the PTS5 event in Taranto with a time of 01:00:59 – 25 seconds behind winner Jack Howell (Australia), and 1 minute 38 seconds ahead of Filipe Marques (Portugal) in third.

The result improves on his previous personal best: two fifth place finishes he recorded in the Series in Yokohama (May 2025) and Montreal (June 2024).

Speaking after the race, Williamson, who is based at the National Triathlon Centre at Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, said: “I’m absolutely stoked with the result – to get my first series podium is brilliant.

“It was a tough day out in harsh conditions – Irishmen aren’t exactly built for the heat!

“I’m proud to be up there competing with the guys at the top of the rankings, and even more excited knowing there’s still plenty of room for growth. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”

Tom Williamson is a sports scholar at Stirling, Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.

The World Triathlon Championship Series sees the world’s best triathletes compete head-to-head in iconic cities across the globe for a chance to be crowned World Champion at the Championship Finals. The podium place in Italy takes Williamson to eighth in the PTS5 rankings after three events.

Marc Austin, Lead Coach of the National Triathlon Centre, said: “This is an impressive early-season podium from Tom in a good quality field. He was up against some of the best athletes in his category and this is the first time he’s really challenged them.

“It was a well-deserved result and I’m looking forward to seeing how the coming races go.”

Just days after the milestone podium place, Williamson went on to claim third place at the Europe Triathlon Para Championships in Besancon, France. He will travel to Canada in the coming weeks for the World Triathlon Para Cup Magog and the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal.

Sports scholarships

At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Core sports include triathlon, football, golf, tennis, swimming, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.