The win ensures the continuation of an impressive record for Australian women in Olympic triathlon events, with the nation having won a medal at every Olympic Games, including the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, since triathlon's debut at Sydney 2000.

The 17-year-old Brisbane-born athlete made the decisive break on the final lap of the bike course as she pulled 20 seconds ahead of the chasing pack.

Despite a late surge by United States' Stephanie Jenks, Dutton's extensive lead proved unbridgeable as she crossed the line 37 seconds ahead of her American rival in a time of 59min 56sec.

"It's awesome, I still can't believe it," Dutton said.

"Throughout the bike I could see maybe I might be able to get away so I tried it and I got away.

"On the run I just had to hold my lead and it worked.

"I have strong cycling background so I thought I would give it a go, I had nothing to lose and I stayed away."

Brittany Dutton proved untouchable on the bike as she surged clear of the lead group
©Getty Images



Dutton was part of a five-strong group coming out of the water that contained Japan's Minami Kubono, Germany's Kristin Ranwig, Great Britain's Sian Rainsley and Venezuela's Katherine Vanesa Clemant Materano.

The first lap of the bike saw Spain's Carmen Gomez Cortez bridge the gap to the leaders as this group pushed 20 seconds ahead of the chasing group, including Jenks, New Zealand's Elizabeth Stannard and France's Emilie Moriera.

The fourth and final lap saw the decisive move by Dutton as she snatched at an opportunity to break from the lead pack.

The two groups merged behind her with Jenks and Moriera moving into perfect positions to run themselves on to the podium.

Jenks, celebrating her 17th birthday today, proved the stronger of the runners as she crossed the line in 1:00.33, 22 seconds ahead of Moriera in third.

"I went out and gave it my all and raced with no regrets so I couldn't do anything better," said Jenks.

Moriera added: "I am very happy to have a very good race and I didn't realise my place.

"For me the aim was top 10, so now in third place, incredible."

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