Double Olympic medallist Alex Yee and current World Champion, Beth Potter, have today been announced by the British Olympic Association (BOA) as the first triathletes selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The duo is the first to be named among a possible total of six triathletes to represent Team GB at Paris 2024. Each will be looking to replicate their podium-topping performances from this summer’s Olympic Triathlon Test Event when they take to the course in the heart of Paris next August.
Yee, who won gold and silver three years ago in Tokyo, has enjoyed a successful 2023. He won three medals across World Triathlon Championship Series events, including victories in Abu Dhabi and Cagliari, before claiming individual gold and mixed team relay silver at the Test Event.
Yee said: "I’m obviously delighted. It was my goal at the beginning of the year to qualify – I needed to podium at Paris – I knew exactly what was required and I am really pleased to have executed the plan on the day. It wasn’t till I had a minute to myself after the race that I realised what I had achieved it and that was nice.
“I really like the course in Paris and I think it will be a brilliant event. The French athletes are strong, so I think the event will be a spectacle, which will be such a thrill, especially after missing the crowd factor in Tokyo. I have a big winter ahead of me and I’m looking forward to trying to put together the best race that I can on the day!"
Like Yee, Potter is back for her second Olympic Games, having represented Team GB at the Rio 2016 Rio 2016 in the 10,000m. Potter, who transitioned to triathlon just seven years ago, claimed four medals in the World Triathlon Championship 2023 Series, before, like Yee, she won individual gold and mixed team relay silver in the summer’s Test Event. She also rounded off an already successful season by being crowned World Champion with victory in Pontevedra, Spain.
Potter added: “Paris will be my first games as a triathlete, and I am looking forward to it. This year has been tough to get the results I needed to qualify so I am looking forward to a bit of a mini break before getting back into training with my full focus being on Paris.”
Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England, said: “I am delighted to welcome back to Team GB, for their second Games, Alex and Beth.
“Team GB has a rich history in the triathlon competition. Since its Olympic debut back in Sydney 2000, Team GB has won eight Olympic medals, including three gold medals, which is more than any other nation.
“I am sure it is a tradition both Alex and Beth will be looking to repeat, especially after their stellar performances at this summer’s test event where they both topped the podium.”
Team GB Team Leader and British Triathlon Performance Director, Mike Cavendish, said: "It's a testament to the hard work that both Alex and Beth have put in this year that they have secured selection to Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“They have both performed at an extremely high level to book their place on the start list next year and I am pleased that they can now focus their efforts in 2024 entirely on preparing for the Games themselves. “
