Carolyn Hayes finished second at the World Triathlon World Cup event in Lisbon on Sunday afternoon.
It was a career best finish for the Limerick woman.
Hayes was only beaten by 2012 Olympic gold medallist Nicola Spirig, with the Swiss athlete crossing the line 12 seconds ahead. Spirig also won silver at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
For much of the race, it looked as though Hayes - a qualified doctor - was going to take gold. She was only overtaken by Spirig late in the run.
Carolyn Hayes second in Triathlon World Cup
BIG RESULT ALERT!!! Carolyn Hayes has finished 2nd behind Olympic Champ Nicola Spirig at @worldtriathlon Lisbon World Cup in a career best performance @sportireland @TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/rT8dUkhYNz
— Triathlon Ireland (@tri_ireland) May 23, 2021
"I just want to go to the Olympics - I hope it's enough," Hayes told Triathlon Ireland.
"I'm a bit pissed that I lost on the last lap, but there are worse people to come second to.
"I'm pleased that it was only in the last kilometre that I had company. Hopefully, it's enough to get a ticket to Tokyo.
"I worked hard all winter. I knew it was there. It's great to combine all three."
Nicola Spirig adds another gold to her phenomenal resume to win in #LisbonWC
Carolyn Hayes Ireland earns silver and Kirsten Kasper USA claims the bronze medal.https://t.co/JwsigQVZc7 @NicolaSpirig @tri_ireland @KirstenKasper pic.twitter.com/gYN3WudPh5
— TriathlonLIVE (@triathlonlive) May 23, 2021
See Also: Ireland's First Olympic Flag Bearer: The Limerick Weight Thrower
