American Gwen Jorgensen produced her trademark strong closing run to win the women’s triathlon gold at the Rio Olympics on Saturday.

Jorgensen, who won 12 World Triathlon Series races on the trot in 2014 and 2015 – including two world championship crowns  crossed the finish line at Copacabana beach in 1:56.16. Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig Hug won silver and bronze went to Vicky Holland of Great Britain.

South Africa’s Mari Rabi finished in 11th. Rabi, who was taking part in her second Olympics, showed up well after the swim and the bike, but faded on the run and finished with a time of  1:59.13. Rabie came out the water third in 19:04 and was quickest off the bike and into the run, leading the field out, but couldn’t quite hold on.

This is still a performance which Rabie will treasure, though. In her first Olympics – Beijing 2008 – she finished 43rd after having serious issues with her bike. She described it as her “greatest ever disappointment” and only returned to competition in 2010. She balanced competing with her studies in the years that followed and by the time she considered a serious comeback to the sport, had to battle heart health problems which rendered her unable to train for ten out of the 24 months of the qualifying period for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This result, then, is vindication for her effort and sacrifice. DM

Photo: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 20/08/2016. Mari Rabie (RSA) of South Africa competes. REUTERS/Toby Melville 

Additional reporting by Daily Maverick staff.