PONT ALEXANDRE III, FRANCE – Former Grand Valley State Track and Field Hall of Famer Chris Hammer crowned PTS5 Para Triathlon Champion in the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Sunday, September 2.

The four-time Paralympian was all smiles early Sunday morning as he raised the 2024 Paris Para Triathlon finish line above his head, American flag in hand.

Hammer finished with a time of 58:44. His 12:03 swim time (750m) ranked him 8^th among his competitors. He bounced back with a 29:06 finish in the cycle portion (20km), ranking him first in the segment. He rounded out his gold-medal performance with a 15:59 finish in the 5km run.

"We are so happy and proud of Chris's incredible achievement," said GVSU Head Coach Jerry Baltes. "After two 4^th place finishes in the last two Paralympics, it's great to see Chris's hard work and sacrifices come together with a gold medal. What he has accomplished over the course of his career is a tribute to his commitment to doing everything to the best of his ability every step of the way!"

Although Hammer has competed in the Paralympics three times prior, his outing in Paris granted him his first ever Paralympic medal.

Hammer competed in the PT4 and PTS5 Para Triathlon in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics, placing fourth in both outings. Prior to his Para Triathlon debut, Hammer competed in the 1500m, Marathon, and 800m track events at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

"If it wasn't for those fourth-place finishes," Hammer said to World Triathlon, "I probably wouldn't have been as motivated to race this time around."

In his career at GVSU, spanning from 2004-08, Hammer earned All-American honors five times- once in cross country and four times in the steeple chase. Hammer led GVSU to nine cross country titles, as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. He was inducted into the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

Watch Hammer's gold medal finish here.