Beth Potter achieved her major goal for 2022 by claiming a brilliant bronze medal for Scotland in Friday’s elite women’s triathlon at the Commonwealth Games.
The Leeds-based star put in a wonderful performance to come home behind Flora Duffy and Georgia Taylor-Brown after a cracking race in front of a passionate crowd in Birmingham.
Beth on Birmingham bronze
She said: “I’m buzzing. This was a big aim for the season, for me. I’m just happy to get Scotland a medal.”
While Potter’s prowess on the run allowed her to pull clear of England’s Sophie Coldwell to clinch bronze on Friday, it was her swim that really raised eyebrows. She came out of the water first at Sutton Park after a terrific effort over the 750m leg.
She revealed: “I’ve been swimming well. My boyfriend was like, don’t settle for the feet, just go. I got to the front and I thought, ‘I’m going to go on the front, they can follow me’.
“I’ve done it once before but it was a World Cup and I feel like the standard here was a little bit higher.”
Building a triple threat
The 30-year-old admitted she has really put the focus on improving her bike as well as the swim this year, and the strategy appears to have worked a treat.
“I’ve not really been doing a lot of running, I’ve really been working on my swim and bike this year and I think it’s paying off.
“I’ve been doing a lot of riding with some of the really good boys I train with and they’re some awesome cyclists. I put a lot of work in this winter and I’m glad I’m reaping the rewards now.”
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
