Tandem twins and Paralympians Judith and Chloe MacCombe visited their former college NWRC this week. (Pic Martin Mckeown)
The ‘Tandem Twins’ who both represented Ireland at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, received a guard of honour from North West Regional College staff and students before spending the morning hosting a Q & A on Sport Psychology.
Chloe and Judith who studied the L3 Diploma in Exercise Referral and L3 Personal Trainer part-time courses at NWRC also spoke to students about hard work, determination and the thrill of competition.
The twins have blazed a trail since the para-triathlon was introduced at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games where competitors must swim 750m, cycle 20km and run 5km.
Recently Judith and her guide Eimear Nicholls claimed 4th place at the 2024 World Triathlon Para Championships at Torremolinos, while Chloe previously won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with Catherine A. Sands as her sighted guide.
The 29-year-old sisters were diagnosed at birth with a form of albinism which means their vision is restricted to around one-third of that of a person with 20/20 vision, however, the sisters have consistently refused to let their eyesight hold back their ambition.
As well as their success in the Para Tri-athlete world, the girls are active in the fields of rugby, karate, and rowing, as well as playing the clarinet, flute, piano and guitar.
The twins told students how ‘showing up’ is always the most important part, as well as always having perspective.
Dr. Lynda Hegarty, Head of Faculty of Life and Healthcare Sciences at NWRC, said: “The sports team were delighted to welcome Judith and Chloe back to NWRC to share their experience with our current students.
“We are extremely proud of the twins for their amazing achievements on the global sports field where they are now among the best in the world.
“We look forward to seeing what else they have to offer in the world of triathlons, and we want to thank them for taking the time to talk to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts.”
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