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 -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘No No No’ – Sam Long says he felt ROBBED by swim cancellation at ‘69.1 Chattanooga’
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
Alistair Brownlee - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee completes iconic Gralloch race in latest gravel test
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...