Wollongong, Australia – The image of Cassandre Beaugrand’s 2025 season remains etched in the memories of triathlon fans: the Olympic champion forced to abandon the World Championship race, relinquishing her title in a heartbreaking finish. Now, five months later, the French athlete is speaking candidly about the mental toll that followed, revealing she came close to a depressive state as she struggled to understand the sudden downturn in her performance.
In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Beaugrand, 28, described a period of intense emotional distress following her disappointing performance at the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) final in Wollongong last October. The race, which saw Germany’s Lisa Tertsch unexpectedly claim the world title, marked a significant low point for Beaugrand after a stellar 2024 that culminated in Olympic gold in Paris.
“It wasn’t easy being so bad,” Beaugrand told L’Équipe. “It had been a long time since I’d taken a real hit. At first, my body just stopped, and then I struggled mentally to recover from that disappointment because I didn’t understand it. In fact, the summer (of 2025) had already been very complicated.”
The struggles weren’t simply about the physical failure in Wollongong. Beaugrand described a post-Olympic letdown, a sense of emptiness that crept in despite her continued success in training. “I don’t think you can say I was in a depression, but I wasn’t far off,” she admitted. “Before races, I would start to cry, unable to put words to what I was feeling. I didn’t have the same desire I had during the Olympic year, the same emotions.”
Recognizing the demand for support, Beaugrand sought aid from a sports psychologist. “It really wasn’t going well,” she explained. “I actually had a case of the blues. I was ashamed to admit it, because everything was going well in my life except for triathlon competitions. I felt ashamed because people might dream of being in my position, but I wasn’t performing at the level I needed to in triathlon. My life was good, training was going well, but I just couldn’t manage the competitions.”
The experience prompted a period of self-reflection and a deliberate “big break” from the sport. Beaugrand confessed she simply didn’t want to talk about triathlon for a while, needing space to rediscover her passion and rebuild her mental fortitude. This period of rest and recalibration appears to have been successful, as Beaugrand now looks ahead with renewed optimism.
Beaugrand’s return to competition is scheduled for April 25th at the World Championship Series event in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. But her preparation isn’t solely focused on triathlon. In a surprising move, she’s also planning to compete in running events, starting with a 10km race in Lille, France, on April 4th. “It’s my first love!” she said, adding that she’s also aiming to run a 3000m or 5000m race on the track between triathlon events. She even harbors a long-term ambition to participate in a Diamond League meeting.
This foray into athletics isn’t about abandoning triathlon, but rather about reigniting her enjoyment of sport and adding a new dimension to her training. It’s a testament to Beaugrand’s resilience and her willingness to explore different avenues to rediscover the joy that initially drew her to competition.
Beaugrand’s openness about her mental health struggles is a significant step in breaking down the stigma surrounding athlete well-being. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even at the pinnacle of success, athletes are still human, vulnerable to the same emotional challenges as anyone else. It’s a message that resonates deeply, particularly in a sport often characterized by its demanding physical and mental requirements.
The 2022 season saw a career-best 5th place finish on the overall season rankings for Beaugrand, thanks to strong performances at WTCS Leeds and Montreal, where she secured gold and silver medals respectively. She continued to build on that momentum in 2023, narrowly missing out on the World Championship title at the Finals in Pontevedra to Beth Potter. The challenges of 2025, however, forced a period of introspection and a renewed focus on mental well-being.
Now, with a clearer head and a refreshed perspective, Cassandre Beaugrand is setting her sights on the future, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in her sights. Her journey back to the top will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans around the world, not just for her athletic prowess, but also for her courage in speaking openly about the importance of mental health.
Next up for Beaugrand is the 10km race in Lille on April 4th, followed by her return to the WTCS circuit in Samarkand on April 25th. Fans can follow her progress and receive official updates through the World Triathlon website (https://triathlon.org/athletes/profile/63163/cassandre-beaugrand) and her social media channels.
What are your thoughts on Cassandre Beaugrand’s story? Share your comments below and let us know what you think of her decision to explore running alongside her triathlon training.
