Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark secure Olympic sailing gold in women's 470 class
Last Updated: 18/08/16 7:12pm
Great Britain's Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark have finally secured the gold medal in the women's 470 class at the Rio Olympics.
The London 2012 runners-up were forced to wait 24 hours for their Rio coronation after light winds put paid to Wednesday's sailing programme.
But the breeze picked up on Thursday, allowing Mills and Clark to complete the formalities and win Team GB's 21st gold of the Games.
The pair held an unassailable lead over their nearest rivals heading into the final race and needed only to finish to guarantee victory.
And they came home safely as the eighth of 10 finishers to claim gold ahead of New Zealand pair Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie and bronze medallists Helene Defrance and Camille Lecointre of France.
"The first time we sailed together I knew it could be special," said 36-year-old Clark. "We have been together through ups and downs, been with each other all the way."
Mills, 28, added: "I can't believe it. It has actually been the best feeling ever. We have forgotten all about London.
"We are so proud to come back after it and we've worked so hard to get the upgrade to gold and thank you to everyone back home for the support."
