Beth Potter’s brilliant performance epitomises dilemma facing fans over super shoes

After the Scot won the Podium 5k last weekend in Lancashire in an unofficial world record, Jack Rathborn examines the contrasting reaction in the athletics world

Beth Potter ran 14:41 at the Podium 5K last weekend (Instagram/bethpotter91)

The endearing shock painted across Beth Potter’s face spoke volumes about the Scot’s stunning performance at last Saturday’s Podium 5km in Barrowford.

Potter, in a small corner of Lancashire, executed the run of her life to break the tape in 14:41. The thrill of obliterating her previous best by 43 seconds was mixed with confusion however, having also shaved two seconds off Beatrice Chepkoech’s world record time - though sadly it is unlikely to be ratified under World Athletics regulations due to no drug testers present

“I thought it was a joke,” Potter told Athletics Weekley after processing what had occurred. Potter was “shell-shocked” and her instinct was to even question whether the clock had broken.