By James Toney in Paris

Megan Richter admitted her shock was off the scale after claiming a surprise Paralympic triathlon gold.

The Birmingham athlete won the women's PTS4 title in a race around the French capital's postcard landmarks, overhauling long-time leader and team-mate Hannah Moore in the decisive run.

Richter is a former international swimmer, and a world medallist in 2019, who made the switch to triathlon just a few years ago.

She was not considered among Great Britain's medal contenders in Paris but capitalised on the absence of favourite, American Kelly Elmlinger, to seize her podium chance.

"Did that really just happen?" she asked. "I could feel my legs starting to go but I knew I needed to get to the end. I was out with a stress fracture last year but I went all in full time a few months ago and races started going well at the start of the year. Things just came together and I’m so happy, the timing has been perfect.

"Since I was little this was all that I dreamed about, looking up to people like Ellie Simmonds and wanting to be just like her.

"The races started going well at the start of this season and the timing has been perfect. It’s been such an amazing year travelling the world doing triathlon and now I can carry on doing it full time, I’m so happy.”

Triathlon events in Paris were delayed by 24 hours because of concerns over the water quality in the Seine. Richter had no complaints but was disappointed the switch meant some of her friends were not there to watch.

"A big group from my swimming club surprised me by coming out but they had to go back to work unfortunately, as the race was meant to be on Sunday," she said.

"The crowds were incredible. It's so cool to have that many people watching and cheering you on, it's not something we are used to with para triathlon.

"The water quality was actually fine. It’s one of the nicer swims I’ve done this year. Massive kudos to Paris for cleaning their biggest river. I know there have been some issues but they have done such a good job. I can’t imagine swimming through London in the Thames."

Richter, just 23, now hopes her gold we will she can focus full-time on training and her education, where she is studying a masters in cardiovascular science at the University of Birmingham.

"I've got this medal now, it would be good to see where I take it," she added.

"Defending your title in Los Angeles sounds good and I'll be doing everything I can get to get there. I'm so just grateful for all the support I get to do this amazing sport and make it my life.

“I was a swimmer before and been training so hard for so long so can’t believe it’s happened at my first Paralympics. It was always my goal, so I’m just so happy my dream came true.”

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