MacCombe twins relishing 'amazing' Paralympics debut

Judith and Chloe MacCombe will compete in the PTVI 3 class in Paris

Judith MacCombe says "it's all a bit surreal" as she and her twin sister Chloe prepare to make their first appearance at the Paralympics.

The 29-year-olds from Claudy, who have a visual impairment, will compete for Team Ireland in the Para Triathlon in Paris.

Chloe won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games two years ago with Judith finishing fourth in Birmingham.

Now they are looking forward to making the their debut on the biggest stage of all.

"It's incredible, it's such an amazing experience and a privilege - everyone talks about bringing home medals but for me even to stand on the start line in Paris is such an achievement," said Chloe.

That view was echoed by Judith, who is ninth in the world rankings.

"If you asked me last year about Paris and the Paralympics I probably would have laughed or cried - I didn't think it was possible," she said.

'Best in the world'

"But here we are and it's all a bit surreal. It's just a real privilege to be at that start line and say we are Paralympians, to be considered the best in the world at our sport - it's great."

Chloe made the podium in Birmingham with Catherine Sands as her guide and they will continue in Paris while Judith will have Eimear Nicholl by her side.

There is an element of rivalry between the sisters, who took up triathlon just five years ago, but that's outweighed by a desire for each other to succeed.

"Sibling rivalry is always really strong but we always push each other on and encourage one another," added Judith.

"It's a real mix of emotions. I want to beat Chloe but at the same time if she comes past me I would be happy for her. We're both going to go out on the day and give 100%."

Catherine Sands and Chloe MacCombe celebrate with their silver medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Both are in good shape for the challenge that comes with the energy-sapping swimming, cycling and running event.

However, the standard has risen in recent years and winning a medal would be a massive achievement.

World number three Chloe said: "Everyone is out there aiming for a medal - for me it's about crossing the line knowing I've given 100%. That's enough for me and I'll be happy with that.

"You are pushing yourself to your body's limits. I'm racing better than I have been so it will be a tougher competition but if anything that makes it a bit more fun, a bit more enjoyable.

Judith is determined to have no regrets after her debut performance.

"It's about just knowing I'd left everything out there, hopefully staggering across the line as I'd given so much.

"We wouldn't be elite athletes if we weren't aiming for the podium in every race but anything can happen on race day.

"You always have that in your sights but you just go out there and race hard."