| Dates: 23 July-8 August Time in Tokyo: BST +8 |
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Laura Kenny turned the primary British girl to win gold at three Olympic Video games as she and Katie Archibald had been topped madison champions in Tokyo.
Kenny, 29, additionally turns into GB’s most adorned feminine athlete together with her fifth gold, and sixth Olympic medal general.
The ladies’s madison was added to the Olympic programme for the primary time at Tokyo 2020,
“I’ve by no means wished to win a medal a lot in all my life,” stated Kenny, essentially the most profitable feminine Olympic bike owner.
“I messaged [husband and fellow GB cyclist] Jason and stated I really feel like my Olympics ends immediately. I like the staff pursuit however I felt aid when it was over as a result of this was the one race I wished to win – I simply really feel so relieved.”
Archibald added: “I have been dreaming about having this dialog – I’ve by no means wished one thing a lot, I’ve by no means been so nervous however we have been so scientific with our strategy.
“We had a change of coach final 12 months for this occasion. We’re going for the all spherical and making an attempt to unfold between occasions and it feels so satisfying for it to return off.”
Kenny and Archibald ship masterclass
Archibald gained World Championship madison gold in 2018 earlier than she and Kenny teamed up for European silver within the occasion the next 12 months.
However their efficiency in Tokyo was a masterclass in madison racing, successful the three opening sprints of the 120-lap, 30km race.
In complete, they gained 10 of the 12 sprints on provide and gained a lap – incomes 20 factors – alongside Denmark and the Russian Olympic Committee, who gained silver and bronze respectively.
However such was Kenny and Archibald’s dominance that they completed with greater than double the Danes’ factors, Amalie Dideriksen and Julie Leth ending their race on 35 factors whereas the ROC had simply 26.
Dutch world champions Amy Pieters and Kirsten Wild completed off the rostrum, compelled to accept fourth after being concerned in a crash.
Kenny’s gold was her first as a mom, having welcomed son Albie in August 2017.
“All week I have been saying please do not ask me about Albie – I’ve by no means missed him a lot,” she stated.
“However I could not do it with out these ladies. With Katie I really feel like I am racing with a sister – I am so grateful to have her right here and her assist. I could not have completed it with out her.”
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