Search
shop

Arena Games Triathlon London: Surreal World Title for Linn, clinical tactics from Potter

Sophie Linn and Beth Potter reflect on their Championship title and race win, respectively, at Arena Games Triathlon London
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sophie Linn is the new Esports World Champion after sweating it out at the Arena Games Triathlon in London at London’s Aquatic Centre. The Australian said she wasn’t aiming for the title coming into the event, but was ‘super stoked’ to have won it.

Most eyes were on the battle between Beth Potter (GBR) and Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) for the win on the night, while the world title was expected to be decided between Gina Sereno (USA) or Zsanett Bragmayer (HUN), but Linn’s performance eclipsed them both.

Advertisement

There’s nothing more brutal

Speaking after the race, Linn said:

“I definitely didn’t have the Series win on my mind as opposed to Gina and Bragmayer,” she said. “So, to get the win was a super big surprise. 

“It’s a pretty surreal title to be honest, I definitely wasn’t expecting it coming in so I’m super stoked and couldn’t ask for more.”

Speaking to John Levison about the format, she added: “There’s nothing more brutal than this format. There’s a lot going on and a lot of small gains and errors that you can make. 

Super League Triathlon London 2023 - Sophie Linn
Photo Credit: Super League Triathlon

“I think it’s enjoyable after it’s done. It’s so painful and so hard. You have to make peace with the fact you’re going to be in a lot of pain.”

Montreal winner and NASA engineer, Sereno rued the mistakes she made, commenting: “(There were) a lot more mistakes than I was hoping. 

“But even though there were little parts I was unhappy with, it was an awesome experience.”

Potter’s winning tactics

Potter didn’t win the world title she collected last year, but she and Beaugrand were a class above in the Final and she was delighted to beat the Frenchwoman. “I’ve actually never actually beaten Cassandre at this, so that’s the biggest thing for me.

“I wanted to be up from the start as you have a mental advantage then, you know you’re not chasing. I tried to get a lot of time, that’s why I ran hard on the first run and probably why I suffered a bit on the second one.

“I always find the second stage the hardest because you feel you’re hyperventilating in the swim. And also, I was really conscious not to let Cassandre get too far away from me (in the swim) as I knew going into that final round was key, so it’s a bit of a head game as well. You have to get up and stay up.

“I just look at that little avatar and make sure the gap keeps going out.”

Arena Games Triathlon London 2023 - Beth Potter, Cassandre Beagrand, Sophie Linn
Photo Credit: Super League Triathlon

Arena Games Triathlon London 2023 Results

Final – Elite Women: Sunday April 8, 2023

  • 1. Beth Potter (GBR) – 36:17
  • 2. Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) – 36:39
  • 3. Sophie Linn (AUS) – 36:59
  • 4. Rani Skrabanja (NED) – 37:17
  • 5. Emma Jackson (AUS) – 37:26
  • 6. Gina Sereno (USA) – 37:28
  • 7. Olivia Mathias (GBR) – 37:28
  • 8. Fanni Szalai (HUN) – 37:40
  • 9. Petra Kurikova (CZE) – 38:09
  • 10. Zsanett Bragmayer (HUN) – 38:59

Esports World Championship Overall Standings

  • 1. Sophie Linn (AUS) – 659 points
  • 2. Gina Sereno (USA) – 589 points
  • 3. Rani Skrabanja (NED) – 579 points
Helen Gorman
Written by
Helen Gorman
Helen is part of the editorial team at TRI247 after spending ten years as a Press Officer with British Triathlon. She's mostly found at a pool, sometimes breaking world masters records.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
Maya Kingma Karlovy Vary win 2024
Two-time Olympic triathlete joins top pro cycling team – and is set to race in Giro d’Italia
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...