by It is unlikely that BETH POTTER had a single mind about the quality of river water.
Described in a promotional video for today’s World Supertri E championships in London as a “very complete triathlete” with “no weaknesses” and “the most resilient person I’ve ever met”, the Scot has yet to largely changed by the situation that is developing around the country. the suitability of the Seine to host this summer’s Olympic triathlon swimming leg.
Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet admitted this week that due to concerns about e-coli levels, the triathlon could be delayed or even reduced to a duathlon despite over a billion Euros invested to provide safe swimming in the river for the first time in a century.
With the start of the Games just over three months away, that level of potential disruption is not what any athlete wants to hear nearing the end of a four-year cycle that has all been built up to a climax in Paris.
Potter, however, isn’t worried about the potential pitfalls. One of Scotland’s main gold medal hopes, the world champions remain confident that organizers will do whatever it takes to ensure the event goes ahead on time and on bill. The 32-year-old took part in – and won – the test event, which included a swim in the Seine, last year and revealed that she has had worse experiences during her open swimming career.
Barring a decision that forces change, Potter’s laser focus will remain on making sure she arrives in Paris as strong as possible in all three disciplines.
“No, not really,” she replied, when asked if these developments are at all disturbing. “There was a water quality problem last year as well. Obviously the safety of the athletes has to come first but they are putting a plan in place and I am hopeful that it will be fine for the Games.
“I didn’t hear anything [about the date for the swimming leg being potentially switched] and I think it will be fine in the Seine. We swam it last year and it was fine. There was a problem last summer because of the heavy rain but we also have that problem in the rivers in England. In July there should not be heavy rain [in Paris] so i am confident it will be ok.
“I thought it tasted clean last year, to be honest. I have certainly swum in harbors that were much worse and smelled much worse too.”
And if his departure was reduced to a cycle and run? “I don’t see that happening,” she says. “I think [if it does] it’s just something we have to adapt to the day or week before. I’m sure we’ll get plenty of alerts.”
Potter has risen to the top of the triathlon tree relatively quickly but she seems at ease with her surroundings and the expectations that come with it.
When asked about the “no weaknesses” comment, there is little sign of a Scottish cringe and a tendency to dismiss compliments with self-deprecation.
A constant journey of self-improvement ensures the former track athlete is unlikely to ever be complacent but she is clearly comfortable in her own skin as she approaches the defining moment of her triathlon career.
“Over the last few years I’ve been trying to get stronger in all three [disciplines] so I’m bombproof,” she says. “But it’s still a work in progress. I am still working on my weaknesses in my swim, bike and run. He wants to keep all three plates spinning and at the best possible levels.
“It’s good to be nervous too. That helps me get the most out of myself on race day. But it’s a fine line. You don’t want to start using energy to fight nerves when there’s no need for it. There has to be a balance.”
With her Olympic place assured as early as last November, Potter has nothing to achieve or prove before Paris. Due to the cancellation of an event in Abu Dhabi due to bad weather conditions she is likely to race once outdoors, in Cagliari, ahead of Paris, believing that the demands will not make the trip to Yokohama worth it. travel.
She will continue at today’s Zwift-powered Supertri E World Triathlon Championships at the Aquatics Center in London, a mix of real life and virtual racing in which Potter has an impressive competitive record.
“I’m looking forward to this one,” she says. “I like it because it’s pure VO2 [cardio exercise] and a good race acuity, which lets you see where you are in terms of takeoff speed and all that stuff.
“It’s a bit later than I expected to open my season but it will be good to get the ball rolling. Abu Dhabi was a little worried especially after traveling out there and just being in camp. I didn’t get to see where I was.
“But I think I’ve got enough markers with the people I’m training with and the way I’m training that I’m in a pretty good position at the moment. I don’t feel any pressure from anyone else, it’s more about myself. It was good to win the world championship last year and the Paris test event was also a success.
“That gives me confidence going into this year. I had a good winter and I am confident that I will have the same or an even better year this year. Things are always out of your control but I will do everything I can to put myself in the best possible position for you to succeed.”
– Watch supertri E World Triathlon Championship powered by Zwift live on Eurosport and supertri YouTube from 6.30pm
