The world of Para triathlon is a battlefield, and the men’s PTS5 class is its most unforgiving arena. This year, no athlete has been safe from the rollercoaster of triumphs and upsets, making it nearly impossible to hold onto a major title for long. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Chris Hammer, the Paralympic champion, has just reclaimed his throne at the World Championships in Wollongong, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss—his journey to the top was anything but easy.
The PTS5 class is a powder keg of talent, where rising stars like Jack Howell and Tom Williamson are challenging legends like Martin Schulz and Stefan Daniel. It’s a class where anyone can rise to the top on any given day, and Hammer’s victory in Wollongong is a testament to his resilience. After a disappointing 4th place finish at the World Championships following his Paralympic gold in Paris, Hammer faced doubts—even from his wife, who wondered if he’d lost his fire. But he reignited his passion, refocused, and came back stronger than ever.
Hammer’s win wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about outsmarting and outlasting his rivals. Howell, a young Australian phenom, pushed him to his limits, leading early in the swim and bike segments. But Hammer’s experience and relentless determination paid off, especially in the run, where he pulled away to secure victory by 28 seconds. It’s a classic tale of strategy, grit, and the refusal to leave anything to chance.
What makes Hammer’s story even more compelling is his perspective on the sport’s evolution. He’s witnessed the rise of young talent that’s reshaping the PTS5 class, making it faster, more unpredictable, and infinitely more exciting. ‘It’s good for Para sport,’ he says, ‘to have such high-level talent competing against each other with no foregone conclusions.’ But this also means Hammer’s fight isn’t just against his rivals—it’s against time itself. At 39, he’s acutely aware that his career clock is ticking, especially with LA 2028 on the horizon.
And here’s the controversial part: Can Hammer, at 42, defy the odds and claim back-to-back Paralympic golds? While athletes like Daniel Molina have proven age is just a number, Hammer knows he must stay sharp, focusing on his strengths—his bike-run prowess—rather than trying to overhaul his swimming. It’s a pragmatic approach, but one that invites debate: Can he keep up with the younger generation without evolving every aspect of his game?
As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: the PTS5 class will continue to be a battleground of unpredictability, and Hammer is ready for the challenge. But what do you think? Can Hammer hold off the likes of Howell, Schulz, and Daniel, or is the next generation poised to take over? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!