Casey was 31 seconds behind the leader after the swim, and was in the leading cycling pack after the first lap. She ran her heart out to beat some of the best athletes in the world in her age group.
Casey was the youngest athlete in the 32 starting line up.
Casey said , that it was the proudest day of her life.
Her coach Elena Maslova believed that a top 15 finish was achievable before the race. Her strategy was to be within 30 seconds of the leading group at the first transition but she was overwhelmed by how Laura performed in the cycling and running components.Her race time was 1:02:40 (+1min 51secs behind the winner).
Its a great boost for Triathlons Talent ID programme, and follows on from Aileen Morrison’s 5th place in the European Championships in Athlone this summer.
Irelands Chef de Mission Martin Burke said that the result is a real confidence boost to the rest of the Irish Team.
The Gold medal was won by Sato Yuka (Japan), silver medal Ellie Salthouse (Australia), and bronze Kelly Whitely (USA).
John Morrissey competes today in the tennis singles event and Denise Walsh in single sculls rowing.
