It’s hard to imagine that Paris 2024 organizers could have scripted it any better. The heightened drama over the water quality in the Seine just added to the excitement as the women hit the water for one of the most anticipated events of thes Olympics. France had a lot riding on this event – in a Games that were to “return the Seine to Parisiens,” the triathlon event was designed to showcase the expensive (both in political capital and euros) clean up of the river. Add to that the potential of a hometown champion and you had the makings of a classic day of racing.
And the day delivered.
And they’re off. The current in the Seine sent the athletes off as they flew down to the first turn, only to have them stopped in their tracks as they tried to swim back. Photo: Nick IwanyshynLike many athletes, Canada’s Emy Legault lost some time in the water. She would finish 35th overall. Photo: Nick IwanyshynThe lead pack was 10 for much of the way, but Laura Lindemann (leading on the left), like many of the women in the race, would crash and lose her spot near the front of the race. Photo: Nick IwanyshynLeading the way. By the end of the bike there were nine women in the lead group, with Switzerland’s Julie Derron pushing the pace. It wasn’t long before there were just four in medal contention: Derron, France’s Cassandre Beaugrand and her countrywoman Emma Lombardi and … Photo: Nick Iwanyshyn
Beth Potter, the defending world champion and winner of last year’s test event. Photo: Nick Iwanyshyn
In the end, though, no one could stay with Beaugrand as she thrilled the French crowds with a stellar last mile, running to Olympic gold. Photo: Nick IwanyshynIt’s hard to imagine how much pressure she must have been under … Photo: Nick IwanyshynPhoto: Nick Iwanyshyn
Derron (silver), Beaugrand (gold) and Potter (bronze) celebrate their big days.
Photo by:
Nick Iwanyshyn
