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British cyclist creates history in never-before-seen Olympic moment

andrew reid
·4-min read
Laura Kenny is seen here celebrating her gold medal in the women's Madison at the Tokyo Games.
Laura Kenny's gold in the women's Madison saw her become the most decorated woman in Olympic cycling history. Pic: Getty

You know you've done something special when Prince William and Kate Middleton give you a special shoutout on social media.

For British cyclist Laura Kenny, Friday night in Tokyo represented a historic occasion in more ways than one as the 29-year-old claimed gold to re-write the record books.

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Early in her pregnancy four years ago, Kenny was sure she would have to retire from cycling.

But at the Games in Tokyo, she combined with Great Britain teammate Katie Archibald to torch their rivals in the very first women's Madison event in Olympics history.

The frantic cycling event was making its Olympic debut for women in Tokyo after previously only being an event that men competed in.

Not only did Kenny share the honour of becoming the first winner of the women's Madison, she also became the first British woman to win golds at three consecutive Olympic Games.

Kenny is now the most decorated woman in Olympic cycling history with five gold medals.

Despite Archibald crashing in the 30km event, she and Kenny won on 78 points, more than double the points of silver medallists Denmark (35), while the Russians won bronze with 26.

Seen here, Great Britain's Katie Archibald (left) and Laura Kenny with their gold medals from the Women's Madison in Tokyo.
Great Britain's Katie Archibald (left) and Laura Kenny celebrate with their gold medals after winning the Women's Madison. Pic: Getty

Before Tokyo, Kenny and Dutch great Leontien van Moorsel had four gold medals and the British ace also won silver this week in the team pursuit.

But on the way to becoming a mum in 2017, Tokyo was the last thing on Kenny's mind.

"There was a moment two months into the pregnancy where I woke up and said to Jason 'I can't do this, I'm not going to be able to carry on (with cycling), there's just no way," she said on Friday night.

"And here we are."

Laura Kenny feat hailed on social media

Unsurprisingly, Kenny's slice of history was quickly hailed on social media, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge among the many fans to congratulate the British legend.

Kenny will also race the omnium, which she has won at the last two Olympics, on Sunday's final day.

Australia's Annette Edmondson and Georgia Baker won an intermediate sprint, but Edmondson was caught in a crash late in the race and they finished seventh on nine points.

"There's a lot to learn from that, but we'll cop it and move forward - we'll be back," Baker said.

Edmondson said she was left winded when a bike slid into her path, causing her to go down, but she hopes to race in the omnium.

with agencies

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