Aileen has had a tremendous end, to what has been a very busy year competing on the International triathlon scene. After a great start to her 2011 campaign she had a few minor set backs mid season. Aileen has demonstrated great drive and determination in her strive for 2012 Olympic qualification. Her results in the last few weeks will go a long way toward reaching her Olympic dream, they will also provide the much needed confidence required to pull out a great performance on such a world stage. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the Marylander's, "Well done Aileen." Below is the report from the Triathlon Ireland website, I hope they don't mind me using it! Mark
Aileen Morrison has podiumed in the ITU World Cup event in Tongyeong, Korea. The silver medal is yet another fantastic result in a string of consistent performances from the Derry girl, who last week was 4th in the ITU World Cup race in Mexico.
Morrison lined up for her last Triathlon of the year in the no#1 ranked slot. Though her season has had ups and downs, Morrison has enjoyed her best performance in Yokahama Japan only 4 weeks previously placing 4th in the Dextro Enegy World Championship Series. Added to her 4th Position only 1 week ago in Huatulco, Mexico, World Cup, Morrison was confident she could place well and add points to her Olympic Ranking which stands at 15 of 60 due to start in London 2012.
After a good swim Morrison took turns in the lead bike pack with several other race favourites on the hilly 40k bike section. Morrison positioned well into T2 and made a break for an early lead in the run. She was overtaken by Jessica Harrison (France) but held onto second position during the remaining 3laps ahead of fast finishing Zurine Rodriguez (Spain). The silver medal matches her silver from the Ishagaki World Cup at the start of this year in Japan. "It was hard to back up 2 races in 6 days in different continents, but I worked hard on the bike and Jess just had that bit extra on the run today" said Morrison.
Aileen should now move a further few places upwards on the ITU points list and Olympic start list securing her a comfortable position for next year.
As the London 2012 start list is compiled over two years ending in 1 June 2012, Morrison could not be overtaken at this stage, and barring injury is a certainty to line up on August 4th in Hyde Park.
The Derry girl will now take a well deserved 2week break from training before beginning winter training in November at her Lisburn base, with local clubs Maryland Wheelers Cycling Club, City of Lisburn swim club and at the Sports Institute Northern Ireland at Jordanstown.