SUFFOLK cyclist Victoria Pendleton has claimed gold in the women's sprint event in Beijing - the 14th gold medal for Great Britain so far in the Olympics.
SUFFOLK cyclist Victoria Pendleton has claimed gold in the women's sprint event in Beijing - the 14th gold medal for Great Britain so far in the Olympics.
Pendleton, 27, a former member of Mildenhall Cycling Club, saw off the challenge of Australian Anna Meares in two straight races in the best-of-three heat final.
She said: “It doesn't feel real yet. Everything went to plan but after the success of the team I felt it might be too much to ask.
“I couldn't expect anything more - it's a dream scenario. I feel like part of the team because you have to have a medal these days!
“I feel like a completely different athlete (from Athens), I enjoy it a lot more and am lucky to have people around me to help me improve.”
Her win is the latest in a string of Olympic successes for East Anglian athletes - fellow cyclist Ross Edgar, from Newmarket, won silver in the men's keirin with Chris Hoy while Sharon Hunt, of Great Saxham near Bury St Edmunds, claimed bronze in the team three-day-eventing at the equestrian arena.
And athlete Sarah Claxton, from Colchester, competes in the final of the women's 110m hurdles later on today.
Meanwhile, moments ago, Chris Hoy won the men's team sprint event after beating fellow Brit Jason Kenny in two straight heats.
It is Hoy's third gold of the games - Britain's 15th - while Kenny claims silver.
Click here to watch Pendleton win her gold medalClick here to watch Pendleton win her gold medal
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