How Potter switched from athletics to triathlon and became a gold medal favourite for Paris 2024
Beth Potter did not even own a bike seven years ago – now she’s set to represent Team GB in triathlon and is one of the favourites for Olympic gold at Paris 2024. The 31-year-old made her Games debut in the 10,000m at Rio 2016 before switching sports a year later, having to learn the hard way of mastering three disciplines instead of one.
Potter, who has a degree in physics and used to work as a teacher, joined the renowned training group in Leeds alongside the Brownlee brothers, Vicky Holland and Non Stanford. She quickly adapted to the new challenges and won gold at the European Triathlon Championships in 2019. However, she missed out on a place in the GB team for Tokyo 2020, despite breaking the 5km road world record earlier that year.
Undeterred by the setback, Potter continued to train hard and focus on her goals. She proved her class and consistency by winning the first World Triathlon Championship Series event of 2023 in Abu Dhabi, beating her compatriot Sophie Coldwell and the USA’s Taylor Spivey. She followed that up with another victory in the Paris Olympic triathlon test event in August, securing her spot for the Games in 2024.
Potter’s secret weapon: the mixed relay
One of the reasons Potter decided to switch to triathlon was the introduction of the mixed relay event at the Olympics. The format, which involves two men and two women completing a mini-triathlon each, suits Potter’s strengths as a fast runner and a team player.
She was part of the GB squad that won silver at the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships in Montreal in June 2022, along with Alex Yee, Sam Dickinson and Georgia Taylor-Brown. The result secured a quota spot for Team GB for Paris 2024, where they will aim to defend the title they won in Tokyo 2020.
Potter is excited about the prospect of competing in both the individual and the mixed relay events in Paris. She said: “The mixed relay is such a fun and exciting race to watch and be part of. It’s great to have a team atmosphere in an individual sport. I think we have a strong chance of winning gold again in Paris.”
Potter’s main rivals: Duffy, Taylor-Brown and Yee
Potter will face tough competition in Paris, not only from her international rivals but also from her own teammates. The triathlon field is stacked with talent and experience, and Potter will have to be at her best to claim the top spot on the podium.
One of her main challengers will be Flora Duffy, the reigning Olympic champion from Bermuda. Duffy made history in Tokyo by becoming the first person from her country to win an Olympic gold medal. She also won the World Triathlon Championship Series title in 2022, edging out Taylor-Brown in the final race.
Taylor-Brown, the Olympic silver medallist in Tokyo, will also be a threat to Potter’s ambitions. The 28-year-old is a versatile and resilient athlete, who overcame a puncture in the bike leg of the Tokyo race to finish second behind Duffy. She also won gold in the mixed relay with Yee, Jonny Brownlee and Jess Learmonth.
Yee, the Olympic silver medallist in the men’s race in Tokyo, is another potential rival for Potter. The 25-year-old is a phenomenal runner, who stormed to victory in the Paris Olympic triathlon test event in the men’s race, completing a double for Britain with Potter. He also won the World Triathlon Championship Series opener in Abu Dhabi in 2023, and is the favourite for the men’s title in Paris.
Potter’s motivation: inspiring the next generation
Potter is not only motivated by her own dreams of Olympic glory, but also by her desire to inspire the next generation of triathletes. She hopes that her story of switching from athletics to triathlon and becoming a world-class performer will encourage more people to take up the sport and enjoy its benefits.
She said: “I want to show that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. Triathlon is a great sport for anyone who loves being active and outdoors. It’s never too late to start or to try something new. I hope that by seeing me and other triathletes compete in Paris, more people will be inspired to give it a go.”
Potter is also passionate about promoting women’s participation and empowerment in sport. She is an ambassador for the Women’s Sport Trust, a charity that aims to increase the visibility and impact of women’s sport. She said: “I think it’s important to have more female role models and leaders in sport. I want to use my platform to raise awareness and support for women’s sport, and to celebrate the achievements of female athletes.”
