When the Tokyo Games conclude, one of the most remarkable stories will be that of cyclist Anna Kiesenhofer, who took gold in Sunday’s road race against a field packed full of talent.
The Austrian rider was virtually unknown before Sunday, but after gaining a lead in the opening moments of the 137-kilometer race, she battled through the heat and humidity to take home her country’s first gold medal in Olympic cycling since 1896, the first year the modern Games were held.
Approaching the finish line, she checked over her shoulder once, twice, three times, barely able to believe her eyes. No other riders were in sight.