Pernille Blume is Denmark's new golden girl

Caroline Wozniacki is often called Denmark's golden girl, but that could be about to change after Pernille Blume upstaged our Aussies in the 50m freestyle.

While Australia was mourning the heartbreak suffered by Cate and Bronte Campbell, Denmark was celebrating a first swimming gold since 1948.

Blume took it out in a time of 24.07sec., ahead of American Simone Manuel (24.09) and Aliaksandra Herasimenia (24.11). Image: Getty

The gold was Denmark's third in swimming, and Blume's first of any colour at an Olympics. The other two were won by Karen-Margrete Harup (100m backstroke) and Greta Anderson (100m freestyle) at the 1948 London Games.

Blume with Danish flagbearer Wozniacki. Image: Instagram

"It's been completely unreal for me," she said.

"The gold medal means so much, but also to the team because we had such an amazing energy in the call room,” she told reporters after anchoring Denmark to a bronze medal in the 4×100 medley relay about 45 minutes after the 50 freestyle.

"It's just been four years of hard work … we did a really good job as a team," added the 22-year-old.

"It was really important for me to take some time out and just clear my head and come back in the pool with new energy. I'm so happy that I actually came back in the pool. It's been an incredible journey."