Canberra schoolgirl Keely Small has led a five-medal Australian charge on day eight of the Youth Olympics in Argentina.
The 17-year-old flagbearer vindicated her pre-race favouritism to claim Australia's fourth gold of the Games with a commanding victory in the 800m final at Buenos Aires' Youth Olympic Park.
Keely Small continued her brilliant year.
Australia's medal haul on Sunday was boosted through silvers for hurdler Sophie White, high jumper Oscar Miers, trampoline athlete Jessica Pickering and international doubles tennis competitor Rinky Hijikata.
Small dominated in her races to win Australia's fourth gold of the Games in 2:04.76.
“I’m absolutely stoked to get here and get the gold,” Small said.
“It hasn’t sunk in quite yet. This whole experience has been amazing, to be announced flagbearer and now see the Australian flag raised from on top of the podium with a gold medal – I’m so stoked.”
Small finished her 800m race in a time of 2:04.76.Credit:IOC
Small said the crowd support, from a vocal Australian minority and the local crowd appreciating her dominating performance, spurred her to the top place on the dais.
“I was a little nervous coming off the heat run and coming in top ranked, but the crowd really got me going down the back straight.I could hear all the Aussies cheering their guts out, it was awesome.
“It’s been a big year with Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics, but the big goal now is Tokyo 2020. I’ll get back into training when I’m home and have a good season to keep working towards Tokyo.”
The race format at BA2018 is a two-stage competition, with the gold medal going to the quickest combined times over two races. Winning both stage one and two races, Small demonstrated her class in an elite field.
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