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Colombian Pajon defends her Olympic gold in Rio

Xinhua, August 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Colombian cyclist Mariana Pajon won the women's BMX title for the second time at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games here on Friday.

With the grandstands overflowing with Colombian fans, the London 2012 Olympic Games champion won all three of her semifinal runs before pacing to victory.

"I would like to dedicate this gold medal to my country. This proves that anyone can achieve great things. It doesn't matter from where you come from, or your background. If you dedicate yourself and work hard, your dreams can come true," said Pajon.

Pajon become the first person from Colombia to win two Olympic gold medals, in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

"The first medal was incredible, and the second medal was more emotional. I can notice more attention around me. Being a South American, this is a medal for everyone," added Pajon.

American Alise Post snatched the silver, while the bronze went to Stefany Hernandez of Venezuela.

Later on, Connor Fields awarded the United States its first gold medal in BMX after winning the men's final.

Fields was just as jubilant after racing to the front and holding off Dutch rider Jelle van Gorkom at the finish line to take the gold.

"It is a moment that I dreamed about since I was 15 years old. To finally hear the words Olympic champion and then my name, it honestly feels like a dream. But tomorrow I am going to wake up, and it is going to be real," said Fields.

There was a photo finish for third, with Carlos Ramirez Yepes of Colombia just edging out American Nic Long for the bronze. Endit