Holland Reporter

On October 18, 2025, Chris Hammer, a former Grand Valley State cross country and track and field athlete, won the men's PTS5 category at the 2025 World Triathlon Para Championships in Wollongong, Australia. Hammer finished with a time of 58 minutes and 32 seconds, securing his second world championship title.

Hammer began the triathlon with a 750-meter swim, finishing that segment in 10 minutes and 49 seconds, which placed him 11th out of 13 competitors. His first transition from swimming to cycling took just over one minute. He then completed the 20-kilometer bike portion in 30 minutes and one second—the fastest among all participants. After a quick transition of 36 seconds to prepare for the final running segment, Hammer ran the last five kilometers in just over sixteen minutes, crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors.

This victory adds to Hammer's previous achievements on the international stage. He won gold at both the Paratriathlon World Championships in 2021 and at the Paris Paralympics in 2024.

In an Instagram post following his win, Hammer stated: "This year's World Championship win not only solidifies in my mind that Paris wasn't a fluke," noted Hammer. "But also proves that I belong competing against the world's best."