| Snowsill takes victory in Women's Olympic Games Triathlon |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Monday, 18 August 2008 07:47 |
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Australian Emma Snowsill was crowned as the new Olympic gold medalist having won today in Beijing. Vanessa Fernandes finished second to take the silver. Emma Moffatt capped off a stellar day for Australia, coming from behind to take the bronze. Britain's reigning World Champion Helen Tucker finished in 21st whilst Hollie Avil dropped out on the bike having suffered with illness since Saturday. "It hasn't sunk in yet," said Snowsill at the post-race press conference. "I knew I had to get out on that run, coming down on the last lap I had to throw in whatever I had left. There is nothing like running scared. I had to make sure I didn't leave anything out on that field. I put every ounce of energy into this." "For me this silver is like gold. It means a lot to me," said Fernandes. "I can't believe I won silver. I've gotten first many times, today I got second, but it's great. This was an incredible experience. I will never forget this." She was overwhelmed with the silver and was satisfied with finishing second to Snowsill. "She has a lot of experience. She is my favourite triathlete. I'm very very happy she won. She deserves it," said Fernandes. Snowsill scorched the run course, posting the fastest run split of the day at 33:17, the only woman to run sub-34:00. Snowsill coasted to the finish line proudly carrying the Australian flag. More than a minute behind, Fernandes came across the line happy with winning the silver. She had the second fastest run split at 34:21. Another 21 seconds later Moffatt, also carrying the Australian flag, came down the finish chute to claim the bronze. American Laura Bennett was fourth, followed by Juri Ide of Japan. Defending gold medalist Kate Allen of Austria finished in 14th place. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Women's Triathlon ResultGold - Emma Snowsill (AUS) |