Montgomery takes triathlon gold

Canada's Carol Montgomery savours the moment of victory

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Carol Montgomery of Canada left her rivals behind with a magnificent run to take gold in the women's triathlon.

The 35-year-old finished 20 seconds ahead of Leanda Cave of Wales in a time of 2:03.17, with Australia's Nicole Hackett taking bronze.

Pre-race favourites Loretta Harrop of Australia and England's Jodie Swallow saw their hopes disappear during the cycling phase.

I would have been happy with any colour of medal but gold is extra special

Carol Montgomery

Swallow fell off her bike in the wet conditions and could only recover to finish eighth, while Harrop failed to finish after suffering a puncture.

That left a leading group of four on the 10km run, and Montgomery broke away to put the nightmare of the Olympics behind her when a broken wrist ended her chances.

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"It was really hard," said the Canadian. "I had a little foot injury this morning so they froze it, but I haven't been running for a while.

"I didn't think I'd finish the run today but it worked. I kept getting dropped by the pack in the swim as it was so fast.

Leanda Cave put in a sprint finish for silver

"When I got out of the water I realised I was in the first pack and that was why it was so fast.

"I would have been happy with any colour of medal but gold is extra special.

"This is the second most exciting race to win behind the Olympics."

Cave put in a sprint finish to go past Hackett and Heather Evans of New Zealand for the bronze.

"I thought I was going to have to settle for fourth but the crowd got behind me and pushed me on," said Cave.

"Second was beyond my expectations."