Emotions erupt for champion Hoy

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Video - Third gold for Hoy

By Keir Murray

Chris Hoy was ecstatic after becoming the first Briton in a century to win three gold medals at the same Olympic Games.

The 32-year-old Edinburgh cyclist beat team-mate Jason Kenny in the sprint to add to his golds from the keirin and team sprint.

"It's the most unbelievable feeling," said Hoy.

"You cross the line and all the pressure evaporates and it's like nothing else you've ever felt.

"That's why the emotions come out at the end. It just erupts out of you."

Chris Hoy's Olympic achievements Three golds at 2008 Olympics (keirin, team sprint, sprint) Gold at 2004 Olympics (1km time trial) Silver at 2000 Olympics (sprint)

Hoy complimented silver medalist Kenny, who pushed Hoy close in the best-of-three final.

"He's only just got on the team, he's going to be the best man in the world in a very short space of time.

"As a team we've gone well beyond what was expected."

Kenny, 20, felt Hoy was just too good for him in the end.

"He's really hard to beat. I gave it my best shot. On the second run I got it down perfectly but he had the legs. That's just the way it is.

"He's mega. Just watching him train is amazing."

Hoy's achievements in Olympic track cycling are quite exceptional.

He won a silver medal in the team sprint at the Sydney Olympics, then gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004 in the 1km time trial.

Hoy's incredible power proved too much for Kenny

However, he was unable to defend that title as the event was dropped for the Beijing Games in favour of BMX racing, Hoy's first love at the age of seven.

Hoy progressed from BMX to mountain biking with Dunedin Cycling Club.

He reckoned his build was not suited to road racing so he tried his luck on the track at Meadowbank, which had been resurfaced for his home city's hosting of the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

Hoy and fellow world champion track cyclist Craig MacLean used Meadowbank to develop their technique.

"I don't see how any of us would have taken up the sport if the track hadn't been there," said Hoy.

"It's not the ideal facility but if there had been no track I don't think there would have been any track success for Scottish riders."

There was growing political support for Hoy to be knighted when he won his second gold at the Laoshan Velodrome.

He's really hard to beat. I gave it my best shot. Hoy's teammate Jason Kenny

Now, with a hat-trick of wins, there is certain to be a further push for greater recognition.

Hoy's medal-winning feats have been enjoyed at his old school, George Watson's College, where staff were glued to the action.

Principal Gareth Edwards said: "A number of my colleagues remember him very fondly.

"He's such a fantastic ambassador for Scotland. He's come in and brought his medals over the years.

"He's a fantastic role model."