Australia’s D’Artagnan Potts and Jack Pearse arrived in Tlaxcala targeting a round of 16 finish but left with their first Beach Pro Tour gold at the second Challenge event of 2026. For Potts, the moment felt almost like the old myth – finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Australia’s Potts & Pearse together with the women’s champions Katerina Pavelkova & Anna Pavelkova of Czechia
The breakthrough came in what was also the their first Beach Pro Tour final appearance, a result that exceeded even his own expectations for the week.
Reflecting on the final moments, Potts described the feeling of closing out the tournament as something difficult to process.
“I actually could not believe what Jack and I had just done. It was actually crazy. There is no other feeling like hearing that final whistle and knowing you’ve just won a gold medal. I had been wondering recently how it would feel to just medal at a Challenge let alone get gold. But yes, there’s no feeling quite like it.”
Their run in Tlaxcala did not begin with high expectations. Potts explained that their initial goal had been far more modest, making the outcome all the more surprising.
“We had gotten to Mexico with expectations to get to the Round of 16 and couldn’t believe that we had made it as far as we had. The fact that we made it all the way to the gold medal (match) and came out on top is crazy to me. It feels like it was both the longest and quickest tournament of my life. But I feel like my expectations for all future Challenge events will be a bit skewed from now on.”
A key factor behind their success was the work the pair had put in away from competition, particularly on the mental side of the game. Potts pointed to a noticeable shift in how they handled pressure moments during the tournament.
“Jack and I have been doing a lot of work with a sports mindset coach as well as our regular training. I think that has been a massive contributor to our success recently. Normally when moments get tense, so did we, but during this tournament we both felt a lot more relaxed which allowed us to produce our best volleyball.”
Momentum built early in the event, especially after the Australians topped their pool for the first time, signalling a deeper run was possible.
“I think after we topped our pool. It was our first time doing that and I thought that if we could just keep the momentum flowing that we could continue through. Topping the pool to me is a really big deal because that’s a whole less game that you have to play and can spend that time recovering and watching footage.”
Their preparation leading into the season also played a significant role in their performance. Potts highlighted the intensity of their training block as a key contributor to their improvement.
“I think our pre-season was one of the best ones we have ever had. Our gym block and training block have been a lot more intense than in previous years. And I think that contributed a lot to our improvement.”
Among the challenges they faced during the tournament, familiar opponents proved to be among the most mentally demanding. At the same time, Potts was mindful of the quality posed by international competition.
“I think the games, in my mind, that I was most nervous for were the games against the other Aussie teams. Because we train with them every day it’s normally a flip of the coin who will win on the day. But it terms of quality I think I was most worried about our game against (Marco) Krattiger & (Leo) Dillier. They are an exceptional team, and I thought they would be our biggest competition in the Round of 16.”
That composure under pressure reflected the Australian pair’s development in their approach in playing matches. Potts noted a clear change in their ability to stay controlled in key moments.
“I think just how Jack and myself conduct ourselves on court. We are much calmer and more relaxed compared to even World Champs last year. Doing all of the hours of work we have done with our sports mindset coach we’re able to be in tense situations and even be losing and not lose our cool.”
The result reinforced their belief in what they can achieve, with the gold medal showing their work is starting to pay off.
“I think I’ve always had high standards for myself and Jack but after winning, knowing that we do have what it takes to go the full distance and knowing that all the hard work we have put in is paying off is a pretty amazing feeling.”
The victory provides an early-season boost, both for the pair and for Australian beach volleyball more broadly. Potts sees the result as part of the sport’s continued growth in the country.
“I’m not sure how this win will affect the rest of the year for me and Jack, as the continental qualifying is coming up but we couldn’t ask for a better way to start the year. But as for Australian beach volleyball I think it is good to have teams getting into the top four to show that the sport is growing and show growth as a country towards that goal of world and Olympic podiums.”
Winning gold has not changed his mindset. Potts said belief has always been central to how he approaches competition.
“I don’t think this gold changes my mindset at all. One of my favourite quotes is from Tiger Woods, ‘There’s no sense in going to a tournament if you don’t believe that you can win it.’ This is the mindset that we will continue to have. I think that Jack and I have improved a lot, but so have the rest of the world. The competition is the best it has ever been in my opinion, and I think there is still a long road ahead of us to get into that top bracket of best players.”
