Charlotte Worthington produces new move to win Olympic gold in BMX freestyle
Former cook Charlotte Worthington served up a gold medal for Team GB in the BMX freestyle as British success in Tokyo continued on Sunday.
Worthington, from Manchester, landed the first-ever 360 backflip to be performed in women’s competition, having worked in a Mexican restaurant as she trained for this year’s Games.
The 25-year-old’s gold was followed by a bronze for Declan Brooks in the men’s freestyle, while a British quartet snared a silver in the last swimming event in the pool, the 4×100 men’s medley.
🥇🥇🥈🥉
What an Olympics for our BMX team – winning a medal in every event.#TeamGB pic.twitter.com/HUWDeiPwId
— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 1, 2021
Worthington fell in her first run but landed a front flip and a huge backflip on her way to a first-place finish, with Britain’s most successful female Olympic track cyclist Laura Kenny saying: “I think that’s one of my favourite ever Olympic golds!”
Her victory came after Bethany Shriever secured the Olympic title in the BMX racing, while Kye Whyte finished second in the men’s event.
Brooks’ bronze means Team GB finished on the podium in all four BMX competitions in Tokyo.
👀 👀@LauraKenny31 @chazworther (ours too!)#TeamGB #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/HOa7gygemf
— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) August 1, 2021
Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director, said people should remember her name.
He tweeted: “The route hasn’t been smooth but to nail @Tokyo2020 this after the 1st run fail is huge testimony to her belief & resilience.
“@chazworther A Top @TeamGB @BritishCycling athlete. Remember her name.”
Adrenaline Alley in Corby, where both Worthington and Brooks train, posted of their pride at the BMX performances on social media, saying: “This is unbelievable!! 2 medals are coming home! We are so proud @chazworther @declanbrooks.”
Record breakers.
Most ever swimming medals for #TeamGB in an Olympics games. pic.twitter.com/CutIRBDW0C
— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 1, 2021
Meanwhile, in the pool, Duncan Scott won a record fourth medal at the Games with a silver in the medley relay alongside Luke Greenbank, James Guy, and Adam Peaty.
Peaty’s mother Caroline said she was “so proud” of the team, who were pipped to first by the United States.
James’ brother Andy Guy said: “Congratulations chaps a silver medal.. remember it took a world record to beat you, you should all be very proud !! Well done James very proud Guy family …”
