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28th Olympic Games - JO
Athens, Greece, August 14-28, 2004
Results Qualification Eighth-finals Quarter-finals Semi-finals Finals Track 101
August 24: Women's Sprint Finals
Oh Canada! Muenzer wins gold
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Lori-Ann Muenzer of Canada won the women's sprint gold in convincing fashion, first dispensing of Anna Meares (Australia) in the semi-finals, then beating young Russian Tamilla Abassova in two straight races in the final round of competition. Muenzer showed both tactical sense and superior power over the smaller Abassova, who nonetheless was a worthy winner of silver after beating her own teammate and reigning world champion Svetlana Grankovskaya in the semi-final.
"It was an incredible week for me but with a lot of pressure due to the fact that the sprint was on three days," Muenzer commented after receiving her gold medal. "This is the reward of five years of very hard work. It's an honour for me to participate at the Olympic Games and to represent Canada in so many events."
Abassova didn't complain about losing to Muenzer, saying simply, "these are my first Olympic Games so I didn't expect any medals. I stayed very concentrated so that's why I got such good results."
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For Meares, gold medallist and world record holder in the 500 metre time trial, the bronze medal in the sprint was a bonus after a successful opening to the track competition. Another in a wave of young riders posting strong results, Meares will no doubt be back for more.
"I am disappointed at losing the semifinal against Muenzer but when you see who has the gold, you can easily understand," she said.
Photography
Images by www.epicimages.us
- Australia's Anna Meares wins the bronze medal ahead of Svetlana Grankovskaya (Russia).
- Lori-Ann Muenzer (Canada) lines up at the start, held by her coach.
- Lori-Ann Muenzer (Canada) easily wins the women's sprint final against Tamilla Abassova (Russia) for the gold medal.
- Celebration time for Canada's Lori-Ann Muenzer, winner of the gold medal in the women's sprint.
- Lori-Ann Muenzer celebrates her win with the Canadian flag.
Images by AFP Photo
- The women's sprint podium: Tamilla Abassova (Russia, Bronze), Lori-Ann Muenzer (Canada, gold), Anna Meares (Australia, bronze)
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Lori-Ann Muenzer checks where Tamilla Abassova has got to.
- Victory in sight as Muenzer realises nothing can stop her from winning Canada's first Olympic cycling gold.
- Lori-Ann Muenzer waves the Canadian flag on her victory lap.
- The center of attention - Lori-Ann Muenzer poses for photgraphers.
- YESSSSS! Lori-Ann Muenzer is more than a little bit pleased.
- Everyone up on to my step! The Canadian track team shares the glory.
Results
For gold & silver 1 Lori-Ann Muenzer (Canada) 12.126 12.140 2 Tamilla Abassova (Russia) For bronze 3 Anna Meares (Australia) 12.042 11.822 4 Svetlana Grankovskaya (Russia)
