For a variety of reasons, the women’s WTCS podium contained none of the individual medallists from the Tokyo Olympics. Only two years have passed yet there has been a change at the top.
In the defence of the Tokyo medallists, injuries to Flora Duffy and Georgia Taylor-Brown left them without a chance to claim a podium spot. Katie Zaferes’ maternity break has likewise seen her put a greater emphasis on 2024 rather than 2023.
Nonetheless, Taylor-Brown’s win in Cagliari and Zaferes’ 5th place in Montreal hinted at what could be in store next season.
At the same time, such has been Beth Potter’s form in 2023, perhaps none of the Tokyo podium could have beaten her anyway. Cassandre Beaugrand and Emma Lombardi also had their best ever seasons.
The question here, then, is simple. On their day next year, which of the two podiums would win?
The question is entirely speculation and the focus is on which podium will collectively do better in 2024, rather than an individual winner. Assuming they all qualify for Paris and are in shape, which trio would come out on top?
Will Duffy return to her best form? Will Zaferes make the next step in her maternity comeback? Will Potter back up her amazing 2023? Will the pressure of a home Olympic Games get to Beaugrand and Lombardi? All of these unknowns could come into play.
So take your pick of the two podiums in the poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
