10 Potential Female First Timers to Watch at Tokyo 2021
The Women’s Tokyo Olympic Triathlon 2021 is set to be one of the most hotly contested events of the games. Despite qualification being far from over, here are our picks for the top 10 potential first time olympians (in no particular order) to watch in Tokyo
1) Chelsea Burns (Age 30)
Despite never having won an ITU race, American Chelsea Burns is certainly not an athlete that should be overlooked. She has no less than 4 World Cup Podiums and multiple World Series Top 20s. Being from America, one of the strongest country on the women’s side (with athletes such as Zaferes, Spivey, Rappaport), qualification will certainly not be easy for Burns, but should she qualify, watch out for her on the run.
2) Leonie Periault (Age 25)
Frenchwoman Leonie Periault has risen steadily through the ranks year by year since her first appearance as a junior in 2010, with podiums at Junior World Championships, U23 World Championships, World Cups, a European Cup win and World Series Relay win. Her standout senior performance to date is a fantastic 6th place at Leeds WTS with a fast 10km run from the chase pack, running only 1 second slower than 2nd place Zaferes. Another athlete to watch on the run!
3) Sophie Coldwell (Age 25)
British swim-bike specialist Coldwell likes to take races out hard and make people suffer. With a world ranking of 15th, 2 World Cups and a European Championship to her name, she is certainly not someone to let go up the road. Watch out for her at the front of the swim, and piling the pressure on on the bike.
4) Yuko Takahashi (Age 28)
With multiple Asian titles and Asian cups to her name, as well as multiple World cup top 5s, Japanese Yuko Takahashi is a very consistent athlete. Her 4th place at home WTS Yokohama solidified her ability to perform extremely well at the highest level, and the home advantage of a Tokyo Olympics will surely give her an edge over her opponents.
5) Taylor Knibb (Age 22)
One of the youngest on our list, 22 year old Taylor Knibb has 2 Junior World Titles, and U23 World Title, and a 2019 World Cup podium to her name. Knibb can usually be found pushing the pace on the bike, and using her strength to apply as much pressure as possible. Another American, qualification will undoubtedly be difficult, but should she qualify, expect Knibb to be putting people under pressure on the bike.
6) Alice Betto (Age 32)
From one of the youngest to one of the oldest. Italian Betto, of 32 years is old enough to have competed at the previous 2 Olympics, but having never had the chance, expect her to be hungry to qualify. Her second place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Qualification event puts her in an excellent as well as one of the hot favourites to take a medal.
4) Emilie Morier (Age 23)
Reigning U23 World Champion, young French athlete Emilie Morier has proved her prowess not only on the U23 stage, but the Senior stage as well. Her 12th place finish at the Tokyo Test Event has marked out her capability of racing the best in the world. Delaying the games until 2021 will only give fast-improving Morier more time to close the already dwindling gap between her and the best in the world.
8) Taylor Spivey (Age 29)
World Ranked 3rd Taylor Spivey has multiple World Series and World Cup podiums to her name. She is a consistent front pack swimmer, an incredibly strong cyclist, and a fantastic runner. Finding a weakness to exploit is very difficult indeed, and Spivey is one of the main contenders for the medals. Should she qualify, watch out for her at every stage of the race.
9) Jess Learmonth (Age 32)
Although one of the oldest on our list, Learmonth is most definitely one of the strongest athletes. A first class swimmer, a very strong biker and a talented runner, Learmonth loves to take the race out, attack on the bike, and form breakaways. Her joint win (although she was subsequently disqualified) at the 2019 Tokyo Test event proved her as one of the strongest contenders for the medals. Expect to see her pushing the pace at the front on the swim and the bike.
10) Georgia Taylor-Brown (Age 26)
Brit Georgia Taylor Brown has a world ranking of 2nd, a 2019 WTS ranking of 3rd, and would’ve won the 2019 Tokyo Test event had she not been disqualified for an intentional tie. A sensational runner, as well as an excellent swimmer and cyclist, she is one of the strongest contenders, not only for the medals, but for the Olympic title.
Article written by British Junior Triathlon Champion Noah Canby
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