Just six years after taking up the sport, Beth Potter has become world triathlon champion.

The 31-year-old from Bearsden delivered a near perfect performance to win the Grand Final in the Spanish city of Pontevedra and in turn, secure victory in the overall series to be crowned world champion for the first time.

Her victory has also guaranteed her a place at the Paris Olympics next summer for what will be her second appearance at the Olympic Games having competed in the 10,000m at the 2016 Olympics, finishing 34th. 

Potter went into this final event of the season ranked second in the world but knowing that a victory would see her become world champion.

There were, however, several other women who could also have snatched the overall title, primarily her great rival, France’s Cassandre Beaugrand. 

Potter began the race somewhat conservatively and ended the swim in sixteenth place.

However, on the bike, as part of the chasing group, Potter closed the gap on the leading pack and so began the run as one of the leaders on a technical course that played to her strengths.

As the run progressed, Potter and her GB teammate, Kate Waugh, managed to separate themselves from the remainder of the field but as the run progressed, Waugh found it impossible to stay with the Scot, who has long been known to be the strongest runner in the field, with Potter ultimately crossing the line comfortably in first place, 18 seconds ahead of second-placed Waugh. 

Beaugrand was third on the day to secure second place in the series.

Potter has had a remarkable season, winning her first-ever World Series title, the Olympic test event, as well as this Grand Final and the World Championships crown and she admitted that things could barely have gone better over the past few months.

“This has been a dream season and I'm lost for words,” she said in the immediate aftermath of her win.

“I wasn't going too good on the swim and bike so had to work hard and I tried to be as smart as possible. I bided my time and I felt better and better throughout the race. 

“I backed myself, believed in my training and was good on the run. I trusted my ability in the last 10k.”

Olympic qualification was Potter’s primary goal this year and she admits having booked her seat on the plane to Paris was a huge relief, but also revealed she expected such performances from herself.

“(Olympic quakification) was the goal so winning the World Champs was a bonus,” she said.

“I’m very determined and I’ll give it everything so I’m not surprised (to be in this position), but it’s been tough.”