STOURPORT doctor Rachel Ward was hampered by injury at the World Triathlon Championships in Australia at the weekend.

The 50-year-old completed the arduous course in Brisbane despite being struck down by an Achilles tendon problem.

The untimely injury cost the GP vital minutes on the run, but she still managed to come home 28th out of 68 in the 50 to 55 age-group competing on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Ward, a member of Kidderminster’s Amazing Feet runners and Worcester Triathlon Club, finished in an overall time of two hours and 36 minutes in her second World championship in Great Britain colours.

Her bike time of 1-11-28 was up with the fastest cyclists but the flare-up of the Achilles problem on the eve of the event cost her four or five minutes on the 10 kilometre run which she completed in 51-15.

“It was so painful that I could only hobble home,” commented Ward.

“I was more than happy with my bike ride but I would normally expect to do a 47 or 48-minute run. In the end, I was just pleased to finish respectably.”

The 50 to 55 event was won by Canada’s Margaret Ritchie in a total time of 2-16-40, while Alison Appleton was Britain’s highest finisher in sixth place.