Gold-bronze for Australia's Emmas while Fernandes takes silver

Beijing, China (August 17, 2008) - Australian Emma Snowsill is the new Olympic gold medalist in triathlon, winning on a tough course on a hot day in Beijing today. Vanessa Fernandes finished second to take the silver while Emma Moffatt capped off a stellar day for Australia with the bronze.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said Snowsill. "I knew I had to get out on that run, coming down on the last lap I had to throw in whatever I had left. There is nothing like running scared. I had to make sure I didn't leave anything out on that field. I put every ounce of energy into this."

Snowsill seemed to have the race in hand after the first kilometer in the 10-kilometer run course. Already with a lead, she laid down a punishing pace and scorched the course, posting the fastest run split of the day at 33:17, the only woman to run sub-34:00. Snowsill coasted to the finish line proudly carrying the Australian flag. Fernandes came across the line and the two rivals but friends embraced at the line. Snowsill also welcomed her teammate Moffatt who came in for the bronze.

"For me this silver is like gold. It means a lot to me," said Fernandes. "I can't believe I won silver. I've gotten first many times, today I got second, but it's great. This was an incredible experience. I will never forget this."

American Laura Bennett was 4th, followed by Juri Ide of Japan who pulled off the surprise of the day placing 5th. Defending gold medalist Kate Allen of Austria finished in 14th place. She headed out on the run course in 30th place but posted the third fastest run time of the day to finish inside the top-15.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Women's Triathlon Final Results
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Gold - Emma Snowsill (AUS)
Silver - Vanessa Fernandes (POR)
Bronze - Emma Moffatt (AUS)
4th - Laura Bennett (USA)
5th - Juri Ide (JPN)
6th - Nicola Spirig (SUI)
7th - Daniela Ryf (SUI)
8th - Andrea Hewitt (NZL)
9th - Kiyomi Niwata (JPN)
10th - Debbie Tanner (NZL)
Visit triathlon.org for full race report, photos and full field results

Tomorrow at 10am Olympic gold will be at stake in the men's triathlon.

BOCOG will have shuttle buses from the MPC to the triathlon venue. Please consult the transportation desk at the MPC for exact times and pick-up location.

For the latest triathlon news, visit the ITU's official website: triathlon.org