Search
shop

‘It’s like a dream’ – emotions flow for Coldwell, Tapia and Knibb

There was delight for all three women on the podium at WTCS Yokohama - Sophie Coldwell, Rosa Maria Tapia and Taylor Knibb.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

There were strong reasons for all three women on the podium after WTCS Yokohama to feel like winners.

Britain’s Sophie Coldwell had just claimed her first-ever WTCS gold medal while runner-up Rosa Maria Tapia became the first Mexican woman to make the podium at this level and third-placed Taylor Knibb had been on crutches at the start of the year after surgery on a stress fracture.

So no wonder there was plenty of emotion in the post-race interviews.

Advertisement

‘I’m a grafter’

“Wow, it’s like a dream – I can’t believe it,” admitted Coldwell. “I’m not often lost for words but this is really emotional.”

An emotional Sophie Coldwell wins WTCS Yokohama 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes
Coldwell lets the victory sink in [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes]

Explaining what the win meant to her, she said: “I’m a grafter, I try really hard. We had a really good training block in Australia before Abu Dhabi and it went way better than I expected there [when second] so I tried to get the same processes into play here.”

With 1000 points for the win in Yokohama, Coldwell now tops the WTCS standings after two races and she added: “This year for us is all about Olympic selection and it’s hard being from GB. We have such a strong roster of girls.

“I just wanted to put in such a good block over the winter and try and secure that this year because it’s going to be hard. And hopefully this is just another step forward trying to make that team.”

‘I’m still in shock’

For Tapia there was a similar feeling of disbelief, with the Mexican saying: “I’m really, really happy for my result because this is my first medal in a World Cup or in a World Series, and I’m still in shock.”

Not only was she making history by getting onto the podium, it was also a first top 10 for her country since Claudia Rivas finished in ninth place at WTS Edmonton in 2015.

Rosa Maria Tapia Yokohama 2023 finish straight [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes]

And for Knibb the race represented the end of a long journey back from injury. She had surgery at the start of this year on a stress fracture that wouldn’t heal, having a screw inserted into her fifth metatarsal.

While delighted to be back, she admitted: “I think everything was a bit of a shock to the system.

“If you told me four and a half months ago that I’d be here at this race, let alone on the podium, I’d have been like, wow, that’s the best case scenario. So I’m just really grateful to be back racing, and this is a really big surprise.”

The result was all the more impressive as she’s had limited running time, explaining: “This was one of my first runs on land [this year]. And so it was like finally being let loose and racing.

“I’m really grateful and want to say thank you to all my team and my doctors and just everyone who helped me get back. I mean, it’s no small feat. I was on crutches just a few months ago. So thank you to everyone.”

Taylor Knibb WTCS Yokohama 2023 finish straight [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon / Tommy Zaferes]
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
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!)
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
latest News
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
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...