The decorated cyclist, defending the title she claimed on home soil four years ago, dominated the six-discipline event in style and sealed victory in a usually frantic points race that represented more of a procession.
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“But even with all the talent and potential that he had, I don’t think we realised just how special this man was going to be”.
“I can’t believe I’ve got four”, she said, fighting back the tears.
However, Chris Boardman, who won a pursuit gold for Great Britain at the 1992 Olympics, sparked outrage in the aftermath of Kenny’s win, saying: ‘She’s [Trott] doing all the emotion for him – he’s [Kenny] looking at her wondering what’s for tea!’
The American recovered to claim bronze but the wobble ended any hopes of the 19-year-old sweeping the board when it comes to gymnastics medals at Rio 2016.
Laura Trott has become the first British female Olympian to win four gold medals, with victory in the track cycling omnium. Obviously I’m ecstatic to come away with a bronze medal, this was never what I imagined.
She won her first two gold medals during the London 2012 Olympics but doubled her tally in Rio with a win in the women’s team pursuit before celebrating with her family after topping the points tally in the omnium.
The Briton finished with 230 points, 24 clear of her nearest rival, in a discipline that was once her weak point.
The 24-year-old was utterly dominant throughout the omnium and cycled a faultless last race to create a piece of British sporting history.
Sarah Hammer of the United States was second on 206 points and Belgium’s Jolien d’Hoore third on 199.
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Earlier on Tuesday evening, gymnast Amy Tinkler added to Britain’s trophy cabinet by taking bronze in the women’s floor exercise final.
