'Best man won': Gracious moment after Kiwi burned 200m from triathlon gold medal
Great Britain's Alex Yee has produced a legendary finish after storming from behind to claim gold in the men's individual triathlon.
With the finish line almost within sight, the British star kicked into another gear, overtaking New Zealand's Hayden Wilde, who had a substantial lead heading into the final 2500 metres of the run.
Emotional scenes unfolded as both athletes crossed the finish line, collapsing to the ground and embracing each other in a heartfelt hug.
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Great Britain's Alex Yee looks over his shoulder after passing New Zealand's Hayden Wilde for the lead. Nine
Speaking after the sensational win, Yee said he was grateful to race against his amazing "mate and rival".
"I have worked for three years for this one goal and it's really special to be here," he said.
"I am so grateful to have Hayden to have those amazing battles."
Wilde was looking to become the first Kiwi in 20 years - since Hamish Carter in Athens - to win the Olympic Games gold in the men's triathlon but came up six seconds short.
He controlled the run from the start and held a comfortable lead over Yee until the penultimate turn when he turned up the wick.
Wilde claimed silver while Leo Bergere scored bronze for France.
"It was a hearty solid race and the best man won. I did the best I could," Wilde told Nine's commentary team.
"I put everything into this. It was amazing."
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Matthew Hauser finished in seventh place, recording the best Olympic finish for an Australian man since 2004 after emerging from the River Seine among a group of three leaders.
"It was a really good swim and I knew that would be my strong point with the heavy current," Hauser told Nine's commentary team.
"I made the start my own. I got on the bike and we just started to fade up. At the start of the run, I got tripped up at the start of the transition but that stuff happens.
"It's the Olympic Games."
Fellow Aussie Luke Willian placed 46th.
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