OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: King Kenny justified place over Hoy with gold

By Paul Smith, Sportsbeat, London 2012

JASON Kenny believes he justified his selection over Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy after claiming sprint gold in London.

JUSTIFIED: A relieved Jason Kenny managed to continue Team GB's velodrome dominance

The Bolton-born track cyclist was chosen over Hoy, now a five-time gold medallist, and showed why with a thrilling performance to land gold ahead of Frenchman Gregory Bauge.

That followed gold in the team event - alongside Hoy - adding to Kenny's Beijing gold and silver medals.

And the 24-year-old admits he felt he had a point to prove going into the race.

"I was over the moon with the selection decision, I have worked really hard for that," said Kenny.

"It was so close it could have gone either way quite easily and you couldn't have argued with the decision.

"I don't think I would have had a leg to stand on to say I should have been in if Chris had been selected.

"It was just before that last race that I began to think about it.

"When I crossed the line I felt really pleased that I had managed to justify the selection.

"Some people had a bit of faith in me and I am pleased that it wasn't misplaced."

© Sportsbeat 2012