Olympic medalist Beth Potter talks about Paris 2024, age in the triathlon world, and how to achieve what comes next
A double winner at this year’s Olympics, Beth Potter is bringing home two bronze medals and a lot of strength for the next races. The triathlon World Champion has talked to The C Word Mag about her expectations as an Olympian, how she tackles the rest of the season and her plans for Los Angeles 2028. A bit of a spoiler: she, of course, wants to be there.
In these Olympic Games, you have crossed two finish lines: Mixed Relay and Women’s Individual Triathlon, and you have won bronze in each of them. How does winning the first medal influence your headspace for the second one?
Obviously, my main goal was the Women’s Individual, but they are two very different events. In Mixed Relay we went into defending a lot of big champions, so to come away with a medal in that one was amazing.
You have now competed in two Olympic Games, Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, in three different disciplines. Apart from the medals, what were your personal highlights and what would you not repeat from each Game?
In terms of personal highlights… When I was in Rio, I was very young and my first games were such an experience; unfortunately, I got very sick, and it was a blow. So, to go to Paris as one of my favourites was a completely different experience for me, a much more positive one, and I really enjoyed going there mixing expectations and pleasure.
Now that you are an Olympic medalist and the World Triathlon Champion, is Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, and what does the plan look like to prepare for that occasion?
I came to triathlon when I was 25 years old, so I’m older than pretty much everyone I race. A lot of the girls I compete against were doing triathlons in 2016, and I hadn’t even done one then. I believe everyone has their own path, and looking back I’ve come really far, so I don’t feel like I’m done in this world yet. I want to go to LA, but it will be very dependent on injuries, and how my body is, but the most important thing for me is that I still want to do it. So as long as I still want to do it and my body allows me, I think it will be possible.
You compete in Supertri, a league of non-standard triathlon races that take place during the sport's traditional off-season. What are you hoping to achieve as a part of Supertri’s Brownlee Racing team, and how would you say joining Supertri has benefited you as a professional athlete?
First of all, it is nice to come here with less expectations and pressure than I had in the last 18 months, which has taken its toll. So, I’m looking forward to being here and going out with no pressure and basically having fun. Supertri has been really good for my development as an athlete, with proper racing and help in picking up skills that you need to be a good runner.
September 8th, Supertri’s London Event, is just around the corner. What does your training (and resting!) plan look like after the Olympic Games, and how does Supertri help you achieve those goals?
After the games, I’ve had a little bit of downtime… you know, I don’t even know, I find it difficult to even know what day I’m on [laughs]. It took some time to do my sort of easiest training. Coming here has given me a bit more focus again, so I can pay attention to other goals, and that has been really good. All of it comes down to managing how you are feeling and how you’ve been in between races.
September 8th’s Event will be the culmination of an intense competition period. How are you hoping to celebrate these milestones?
Just taking the races off one by one, and making sure that I have recovered in between.
Now, for some rapid-fire questions, a song that is always playing while you train?
Something with Taylor Swift.
That’s an excellent choice. A mantra that inspires your craft?
Never give up.
A piece of advice you would give to young girls who are interested in racing?
Find like-minded people and have fun with it.
If you would like to see Beth Potter in action, the world’s fastest triathlon, likened to F1, comes to London on Sunday 8th September. Tickets are free for all, you’ll be trackside with front-row tickets to the finest swim-bike run action from Olympic and World Champions, including Alex Yee, Kate Waugh and more, alongside triathlon legend, Jonny Brownlee. Sign up for your free tickets! www.supertri.com
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Marta Ramírez is a freelance writer from Spain, interested in lifestyle, sustainability, books and all things culture.
