Calgary Paralympian earns first World Triathlon Para Series podium of 2026 season
HAMBURG, Germany — Canadian para triathlete Stefan Daniel returned to the international podium on Sunday, capturing a silver medal at the World Triathlon Para Series event in Hamburg and marking his first podium finish of the 2026 season.
The 29-year-old Calgary athlete delivered a composed performance in the men’s PTS5 classification, navigating a challenging race that featured a 750-metre swim, a technical 20-kilometre cycling course through Hamburg’s historic streets, and a five-kilometre run. Daniel crossed the finish line in 57 minutes 52 seconds, finishing second behind Germany’s Martin Schulz.
The result represents an encouraging step forward for Daniel, who has focused on balancing his athletic career with coaching and other pursuits while managing health challenges that have limited his training in recent years.
“I was pleasantly surprised. This whole year has been about taking a step back. I’ve been working, coaching and enjoying things out of triathlon. I am still very active, but I came in today not overly fit other than going for easy runs. I just wanted to have fun doing a triathlon, and I have always wanted to race Hamburg,” said Daniel.
Strategic approach delivers podium finish
Daniel remained among the leaders throughout the race, exiting the swim with a front group before working alongside Schulz to build an advantage during the cycling segment.
His performance suggested that a more measured approach to training and competition could be paying dividends as he looks ahead to the next Paralympic cycle leading to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
“I found some feet at the front of the swim. There was a group of four of us that came out of the water together. (Martin) Schulz and I put some time on the guys on the bike,” said Daniel. “We came off the bike together and I went with him for a lap but then held it back a little knowing I can’t maintain this pace for long because I haven’t put in the training.”
Schulz, racing before a home crowd, secured the gold medal in 57:39. Portugal’s Filipe Marques completed the podium in third place with a time of 58:24.
Despite finishing just 13 seconds behind the winner, Daniel said the result exceeded expectations and reinforced the importance of maintaining his health as he rebuilds fitness.
“This is a good sign. The podium was a stretch goal today. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” added Daniel. “Being healthy is so, so important and I know the fitness will come from that. I was just able to race a bit freer mentally. I had more fun with it and that goes a long way. I was in the front all the way so I’m happy with that, but we’ll continue to take things slowly.”
Leanne Taylor narrowly misses podium in return season
Canada also saw a strong performance from Paralympic bronze medallist Leanne Taylor, who continued her return to elite international competition after stepping away from racing during the 2025 season following the birth of her first child.
The Oak Bluff, Manitoba athlete remained in contention for a medal throughout the women’s wheelchair race before finishing fourth in a time of 1:08:37, narrowly missing the podium.
Australia’s Lauren Parker won the event, taking gold in 1:03:57.
Taylor’s performance adds another positive result for Canada’s para triathlon program as athletes begin building momentum toward future international championships.
Canadian relay team finishes ninth at world championships
Later in the day, Canada competed at the 2026 World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships, fielding a team of Desirae Ridenour of Cowichan Bay, B.C., Tyler Mislawchuk of Oak Bluff, Man., Isla Britton of Montreal and Charles Paquet of Port-Cartier, Que.
The Canadian quartet finished ninth in 1:21:10 in the fast-paced relay format, where each athlete completes a 300-metre swim, six-kilometre bike ride and 1.5-kilometre run before tagging the next teammate.
France claimed the world title with a winning time of 1:18:37.
The results in Hamburg provide a promising boost for Canada’s triathlon program, highlighted by Daniel’s return to the podium and continued progress from athletes across both para and Olympic pathways. With several key international events still ahead in the season, Canadian competitors will look to build on the momentum generated in Germany.