Golden girls celebrate women’s double sculls win
There will be no more popular winner at Eton Dorney than Kathy Grainger – what a great moment to see the three times Olympic silver medalist finally win her Big G with Anna Watkins in the women’s double sculls.
It was an emotional achievement by the 35-year-old Scot, six times a world champion and desperate to claim the Olympic gold she has coveted throughout a long and chequered career.
To fulfil her dream in front of a raucous 30,000-strong crowd at Eton’s Dorney – crossing the line with Watkins a length clear of closest rivals Australia – made it extra special. It was a compelling drama.
CYCLING: One of the stand-out images of the Games so far for me was watching Victoria Pendleton claim Team GB’s third gold medal in two days of competition at the velodrome with a stunning triumph in the keirin.
Moments after watching Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh and Steven Burke clock a world record three minutes 51.659 seconds to triumph by a supreme margin ahead of arch-rivals Australia in the men’s team pursuit, Pendleton delivered in her least favoured event.
A devastating burst of speed with one-and-ahalf laps to go blew away the competition. It was an awesome display by the 31-year-old who is set to retire after London 2012, leaving Guo Shuang of China second, Lee Wai Sze of Hong Kong third and her arch rival Anna Meares, the world champion, trailing in fifth.
Devastated after disqualification with Jess Varnish in yesterday’s team sprint, Pendleton let all her emotions out when she stepped onto the podium in front of 6,000 fans.
Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Steven Burke & Peter Kennaugh break own world record to win gold in Men’s Team Pursuit
