Paris Olympics: France’s Cassandre Beaugrand wins women’s triathlon gold

Cassandre Beaugrand won gold for France in the women’s triathlon at the Paris Olympics, thrilling the home crowd.

The 27-year-old Parisian completed the race in 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 55 seconds, making her the first French triathlete to win Olympic gold in this event.

Great Britain’s Beth Potter, who had been a favorite and won the test event around Paris last year, took bronze. Potter was unable to match Beaugrand’s pace.

The triathlon, which began and ended at the Pont Alexandre III, took athletes through the Champs-Élysées and past landmarks such as the Musée d’Orsay.

The swim leg in the Seine was cleared for competition after water tests confirmed acceptable bacteria levels, despite earlier concerns due to heavy rains.

The race featured some challenges, including athletes crashing on the wet cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées. Julie Derron of Switzerland finished in second place, while French competitor Emma Lombardi came in fourth.