France's Cassandre Beaugrand clinched the gold medal in the women's triathlon at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, with a jubilant crowd cheering her on as the host nation's decision to stage the swim portion of the race in the Seine proved successful following a period of doubt.
The triathlon, a key event of the Paris Games, commenced and concluded at the Alexandre III bridge in the heart of the French capital, guiding competitors along a stretch of the Champs-Elysees and past several iconic Parisian sites, including the Musee d'Orsay. Originally slated for Tuesday, the men's triathlon was rescheduled to Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. (0845 GMT) immediately following the women's event, due to the Seine failing water quality tests.
The women's race kicked off at 8 a.m. as the overnight rain subsided, providing breathtaking views as the athletes swam in the Seine before cycling and running through central Paris. A few competitors fell from their bikes after skidding on the damp cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees. World number one Beaugrand surged ahead in the final lap of the running segment, propelled across the finish line by the raucous applause from the spectators lining the streets. Switzerland's Julie Derron secured the silver, and Britain's Beth Potter claimed the bronze.
