Victoria Pendleton has won Gold in the women’s sprint at the Beijing Olympics.
After cruising through her qualifying rounds, Pendleton faced Australian Anna Meares in the final. The sprint event is the best of three races, but it only took Pendleton two to secure her first Olympic gold medal.
In heat one Pendleton went out first and blocked Mears until the Australian made a break. The British rider temporarily fell behind but accelerated smoothly through to win the sprint in 11.363.
The second heat saw Mears out first. The Australian, who was bronze medallist in this event in Athens four years ago, tried to block but there was to be no containing Pendleton, who streaked past her rival to record Team GB’s 14th gold medal
The 27 year old four-time world sprint champion never really looked troubled throughout the event, and after a disappointing Athens performance four years ago this win means everything to Pendleton.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. This whole week hasn’t been real. I keep pinching myself thinking I’m going to wake up,” she said. “It’s a dream come true. I had confidence. My qualifying time was stronger than the others. I knew my speed was good so I just tried to stay calm.”
Team GB’s cycling gold medal haul is now up to seven, with three of those being won by the women. Shanaze Reade will be hoping to boost this when she begins her Olympic journey in the BMX competition tomorrow.
Read our interview with Victoria Pendleton.
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
