BROWNLEE: OZ GAMES KEY FOR BETH

OLYMPIC champion Alistair Brownlee has told Scots triathlon hope Beth Potter to stay patient in her bid to reach the top despite rocketing up the rankings in her first year.

The world and Olympic 10,000 metres finalist is expected to be named in Scotland’s Commonwealth Games team after winning the European Cup in her debut season since making a partial switch from athletics.

Brownlee’s had a close-up view since Potter joined his Leeds-based training group and believes the 26-year-old Glaswegian has the tools to eventually break into the elite.

He said: “It’s been interesting seeing Beth’s progress, coming over from being a real top-class athlete into triathlon. She’s come a long way in a year but like any sport it gets harder to keep getting better. Those improvements will become incrementally smaller now.

“She’s done well but has a long way to go. She’s quite a long way off world class but the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for her.

“She has to treat triathlon as a three or four-year process and not judge it too quickly.”

Brownlee will defend the Commonwealth title he won at Glasgow 2014 after being named alongside brother Jonny in England’s team for the Gold Coast. He is still recovering from hip surgery but said: “I am focusing on training for the next few months to get in shape for the Games.”