Limerick's Carolyn Hayes finishes second at World Triathlon Cup in boost to Olympic hopes

The result is the first time an Irish woman has stood on a World Cup podium since Aileen Reid’s silver medal in 2013

Carolyn Hayes. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Carolyn Hayes has taken a massive step towards qualification for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games after the best Irish female performance in triathlon in almost a decade.

Hayes finished second at the World Cup triathlon in Lisbon behind double Olympic medalist Nicola Spirig of Switzerland.