Irish para-cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy won gold at the 2026 World Championship in the US, alongside her pilot Linda Kelly. The athlete thus continues her incredible record by retaining the World Championship crown, after having won three such titles in the last few years.

This year’s UCI Para Cycling Road World Championships were held in Huntsville, Alabama, from September 4 to 7. Dunlevy and Kelly took part in the 29.2km race, completing the course in 36:55.48. The pair thus secured their fourth consecutive World Championship time trial title.

Dunlevy and Kelly won the race by 32.50 seconds, ahead of a second Irish pair composed of Sinead Greenan and pilot Alice Sharpe, who have also had a successful year. Great Britain’s Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl secured bronze by finishing 20.71 seconds after the silver medallists.

Speaking about this latest World Championship gold, Dunlevy said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable, very surreal and a huge relief. I felt pressure going into the race, but to deliver the ride and come away with a fourth time trial title is the stuff of dreams.

“When you stand on the podium, all the work and sacrifices feel worthwhile. To have Sinead and Alice there as well makes it even more special.”

In addition to her World Championships success, Dunlevy also has a total of eight Paralympic medals under her belt, making her one of the most decorated Paralympians in Irish history. At the 2024 Paris Games, she secured three medals, winning silver on the track alongside Eve McCrystal and gold and silver on the road with Linda Kelly.

Dunlevy has also become an inspiration for many athletes who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, having spoken candidly about her coming-out journey and advocating for the importance of inclusion in sports. “Sport should be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to be their true selves,” she previously stated at a sporting event in Ireland.