YOG 2010: Japanese triathlete Sato wins first-ever Youth Olympic gold

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Posted: Sunday 15th August 2010 | 9:14

JAPAN'S Yuka Sato won the first-ever gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games in the women's triathlon.

LINE HONOURS: Japanese triathlete Yuka Sato wins the first-ever gold medal at the first-ever Youth Olympic Games (Singapore Press Holdings)

Sato is one of Japan's promising athletes, having competed five rounds of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series in elite category this year.

The 18-year old, who won the Asian YOG qualifying race, was outside the top ten heading into the second transition but slowly overhauled her rivals to win in one hour and 49 seconds.

Australia's Ellie Salthouse just under 15 seconds back while Kelly Whitley, of the USA, completed the podium.

"It's a first ever Games, first ever medal, and it makes me and Japan very proud," said Sato.

Great Britain's Elinor Thorogood was third after the 750m swim but slowly dropped down the field to finish 13th in one hour, three minutes and 54 seconds.

But the youngster insisted she enjoyed the experience, despite getting kicked in the head during the swim and being slowed down when others crashed in the bike leg.

"The swim was hard because I kind of got swamped a little bit early on and kicked in the head and knocked around a fair bit which made it really difficult," she said.

"My target was top 15 and I got 13th in the end which I was really pleased with.

"I just wanted to go out and enjoy it and use the event for experience and I definitely did both.”

Canadian pre-race favourite, Christine Ridenour, who came out of the water first after the swim leg, was disappointed with her 14th place finish more than three minutes behind Sato.

Ridenour was caught up in a crash on the final lap of the cycle leg that took out three riders in the lead group.

“It’s dangerous out there," said Ridenour, the recent winner of the Coteau du Lac triathlon.

"There were some sketchy riders. I’m not interested in blaming anyone but I’ve learned a lesson. I will stay right up front in the future.

“When I crashed I thought, ‘OK, this is another challenge I have to face.’ I’ve never not finished a race."

Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012