Sport
27 September, 2024
Gold streak continues for Brown
GRACE Brown’s retirement year will hold lifelong memories for the former Camperdown cyclist.
After winning gold for Australia at this year’s Paris Olympic Games, Brown last weekend won the world time trial titles in Switzerland – becoming the first woman to win both events in the same year.
Her fairytale retirement season saw another golden chapter when she secured this month’s world championship time trial title.
Having finished second the previous two years, Brown’s top-of-the-podium finish capped off a stellar season for the super star.
“It honestly feels like I’m in a bit of a dream these last couple of months,” Brown told reporters overseas.
“These big goals seem ambitious but I’ve just been able to get out on the road and do it and realise those dreams.”
Brown finished the 29.9-kilometre course, from Gossau to Zurich, in 39 minutes, 16 seconds – finishing 17 seconds ahead of Dutchwoman Demi Vollering and 56 seconds ahead of defending champion, Chloe Dygert of the United States.
And news quickly spread yesterday (Thursday) after Australia claimed a gold medal in the mixed team time trial at the world championships.
Brown combined with fellow Aussies Brodie Chapman, Jay Vine, Michael Matthews, Ben O’Connor and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
Brown and Chapman, riding the second leg of the relay event, held on during the final sprint to pip Germany by less than a second after 53.7 kilometres of racing.
But the wheels won’t slow down for Brown – she now prepares for this Saturday’s 154.1km women’s road race world championships.
The 32 year-old will leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
“I’m still finishing up at the end of this season, I just feel really lucky to end my career like this; it’s really special,” Brown said.
