JUSTIN Godfrey’s hopes of competing at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 have soared after the Border triathlete announced himself on the world stage recently.

Godfrey, 39, claimed bronze in the aquathlon at last month’s World Championships in London and took sixth place in the triathlon.

It’s given him an international ranking of sixth, which is massive, considering he only took up the sport about a year ago.

“I was hoping for top-10,” the Albury athlete said.

“I was still first Australian in my category and most other categories.

“This is a big one — I’ve never had a nationally recognised rank.

“Now I’m internationally ranked.

“It gets me up there.”

The triathlon will feature at the Paralympics for the first time in Rio and qualification processes are still to be finalised.

Godfrey finished first in the T5 category of the Australian Paratriathlon Championships in Penrith, Sydney, in January.

He is looking to follow up that success at the nationals again next year, before turning his attention to an improved effort at the World Championships in Vancouver.

His performance there is likely to have a major say in whether he qualifies for Rio.

Riding is Godfrey’s strength, making his third-place finish in the aquathlon — which features only running and swimming — all the more impressive.

“I’ve still got a bit of improvement to do,” he said.

“Now it’s not so cold I can do a bit more swimming here.

“That should get me up there a bit closer.

“I know where I need to improve, but I know that I can.”