Gwen Jorgensen's vaunted running prowess didn't let her down Saturday as the American powered to the front on the closing leg to win the Olympic women's triathlon gold in Rio de Janeiro. Just four seconds behind leader Mari Rabie of South Africa in the cycling-to-run transition, Jorgensen wasted no time in seizing the lead on the 10km closing run along fabled Copacabana beach.
Switzerland's defending champion Nicola Spirig Hug was the only rival to stay with her, but she had no answer when Jorgensen pulled away on the final lap to win the a first triathlon gold for the United States in 1hr 56min 16sec. Spirig Hug took silver, 40 seconds behind and bronze went to Vicky Holland of Great Britain, who finished a further five seconds back.
Jorgensen, who won 12 World Triathlon Series races on the trot in 2014 and 2015, including two world titles, was beaming as she crossed the finish line, then broke down in tears of joy. "I keep crying for some reason," she said. "I'm just really happy after everything we've done after this past four years."