Paris Olympic champions Alex Yee and Cassandre Beaugrand have both signed up to compete at this year’s Diamond League athletics event in Monaco – despite the British gold medal winner admitting he is ‘out of his depth’.
The pair may have made their names in the world of triathlon and indeed enjoyed their greatest ever success in the multisport format, but there is no denying their love for running, and it seems they are keener than ever to diversify their undisputed talents.
After topping the podium in Paris, Yee (GBR) made the unconventional decision to devote the majority of last season to marathon running, where not only did he get the bug for more, but he also impressed with some standout performances.
Enjoying his time in marathon
He finished 14th on his debut at the London Marathon before running 2:06:38 in Valencia in December – the second-fastest marathon time ever by a British man, behind Sir Mo Farah’s best of 2:05:11 set in Chicago in 2018.
He then followed that up by acting as a pacemaker at this year’s event, intending to lead the British athletes and others to a time in the 2:06 ballpark. As it turned out, he was part of a history-making day as Sabastian Sawe became the first man to run a sub-two-hour race.
From the outset, he has insisted the move was part of a longer-term plan, enjoying the flexibility of being able to take part in a wide range of endurance disciplines.
His triathlon season has stalled somewhat this season, with his only two races seeing him finish fifth at WTCS Yokohama and then recording a DNF at WTCS Alghero.
‘That’s where I love to be’
Posting on Instagram this week, he admitted that switching back to the track was certainly something that was going to test his skills to the absolute limit – coming as it does seven years since his last Diamond League appearance in London.
“Monaco BBY. Out of my depth… but that’s where I love to be!” he wrote, while also sharing a series of pictures and videos showing his past track experiences.
Captioning the images, he wrote: “My last Diamond League in London, 7 years ago in 2019 – 13:29. Since then, I’ve raced on the track twice. First, in 2020, 3,000m 7:45, and last year, the 5,000m in Belgium – 13:13.
“I’ve probably bitten off more than I can chew, but let’s have fun and experience it as the detour continues!”
Record-breaking Beaugrand lives out her dreams
Beaugrand (FRA) set new French records for both the 10km and 5,000m this year, and when interviewed after winning her one and only triathlon so far this year at WTCS Alghero, she made it clear that she was really enjoying that aspect of her season and wanted to experience more.
She is ready to make an emotional return to the Monaco track, posting on her own Instagram page about the ‘many incredible memories’ racing there.
“This little girl raced the 1000m Herculis kids’ race and later that evening watched the champions from the stands with stars in her eyes, dreaming of being one of them someday,” she said. “Since then, I’ve made so many incredible memories on this track with @asmonacoathletisme ❤️🔥
“Pinch me… I’ll be lining up on July 10th for the Monaco Diamond League. 🥹💎✨”
The Monaco Diamond League event takes place at the Stade Louis II stadium on Friday, July 10, where Yee will race in the 5,000m and Beaugrand the 3,000m.
