Lauren Parker delivers Hunter's first Paralympics medal in Tokyo

SILVER LINING: Lauren Parker, pictured racing in Newcastle in February of this year, has secured the Hunter region's first medal of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Newcastle's Lauren Parker has delivered the Hunter region their first medal of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics with silver in a dramatic finish of the PTWC paratriathlon on Sunday morning.

The 32-year-old came painstakingly close to gold after establishing a strong lead with a dominant swim in the opening leg of the multi-discipline event, but was pipped at the post by Kendall Gretsch, of the United States.

The Novocastrian was out of the water in 11 minutes and 47 seconds, 1:42 clear of the field, but Gretsch chipped away at the inspirational Australia's lead and caught her in the straight to the finish line to beat Parker by one second.

The American secured the gold medal in one hour, six minutes and 25 seconds with Parker claiming silver in 1:06.26.

The pair were light years ahead of the rest of the field. Eva Maria Moral Pedrero, of Spain, finished with the bronze medal in 1:14.59.

While her devastation on the finish line was clear, the resilient Parker still had a smile on her face when interviewed shortly after by Channel 7.

"I didn't know where Kendall was," Parker said. "I knew she was coming. I knew she was coming fast and I just had my head down and was going for it.

"But I got stuck at one of the U-turns behind someone on that last lap, which is unfortunate. That was a few seconds that I lost but I put in everything I could.

"I just put my head down and went for it and I'm happy with the effort that I put in and I'm proud of my effort."

The silver medal performance came at Parker's first Paralympics and just over four years since a freak cycling accident in training near Raymond Terrace left her paralysed from the waist down.

In her post-race interview, Parker paid special tribute to best friend and training partner Brad Fernley, who was with her on the day of her accident on April 18, 2017 and is with her in Tokyo.

"I wouldn't be here without my best friend and training partner Brad Fernley," Parker said.

"He's been with me for 14 years helping me with my career. He's stuck by me ever since I had my accident. Every single day and every single training session, he's been there, and I wouldn't be here racing for my country at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo without him.

"This time four years ago, I was laying in that hospital bed thinking my life was over. I had amazing support around me and, if it wasn't for that support, I wouldn't have overcome that life-changing injury.

"I've overcome many surgeries and many obstacles over the last four years but I never would've dreamed of representing my country four years later."