Team USA Defends World Title at 2025 Para Mixed Relay World Championships
Share:
by USA Triathlon
WOLLONGONG, Australia — Team USA once again stood atop the world podium, successfully defending its title at the 2025 Para Mixed Relay World Championships in Wollongong, Australia at the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals. The squad of Emelia Perry, Carson Clough, Grace Norman, and Owen Cravens, with guide Kevin McDowell, stormed to gold in 52 minutes, 51 seconds, edging host nation Australia (53:12) and Brazil (54:15) in a thrilling race that showcased the depth and determination of the U.S. Elite Paratriathlon program.
The U.S. victory capped off day four of the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals and marked the second-ever edition of the Para Mixed Relay World Championships. After winning the inaugural event in Torremolinos last year, Team USA again proved unbeatable, overcoming early deficits and executing a perfectly timed comeback to retain their crown.
France surged ahead early thanks to a blistering opening leg, but steady work from Perry and Clough kept the U.S. in striking distance. Norman then delivered a crucial third leg, closing the gap to the leaders before Cravens — guided by Tokyo 2020 Olympic Mixed Relay medalist McDowell — powered through the final leg to secure the win.
The gold offered some redemption for Cravens, who had an unfortunate bike mechanical the day prior during the individual Para World Championships races.
“Our goal was to smash the bike as hard as we can, and I know I can run pretty fast, so I wanted to see what I can do," Cravens said. "Carson said, ‘Don’t blow the lead,’ so we couldn’t lose. Yesterday we had some misfortune, and today we made up for that.”
Additional quotes from the rest of the team:
“My bike was good, my swim was terrible, but on the run I was just trying to catch those ahead of me,” said Perry, who led off for the U.S.
“All the legs are always tough,” added Clough, “but it was my job to give the team the biggest lead, especially after my performance yesterday (eighth place in the individual race), so I just did what I could and left it all out there.”
Norman delivered a gritty third leg: “I don’t think I’ve gone that hard in a very long time. I just saw the green and yellow of Australia ahead and tried to get my team as much of a lead as possible.”
The win underscores Team USA’s dominance in paratriathlon’s newest team format.
A second U.S. team also competed in the event, with the quartet of Skyler Fisher, Chris Hammer, McClain Hermes, with guide Jenna Haufler, and Mohamed Lahna teaming up to finish with a time of 57:13
Wollongong, Australia | Oct. 18
1. United States (Emelia Perry, Carson Clough, Grace Norman, Owen Cravens, Guide Kevin McDowell), 52:51
2. Australia, 53:12
3. Brazil, 54:15
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 3,500 events and races and connects with and supports more than 300,000 unique active members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
