Caroline Buchanan leapt off her bike, threw her arms in the air in triumph and slumped to the ground.
She burst into tears as the enormity of what she had just achieved hit her. She was a world champion.
Buchanan kicked off a golden night for Australia at the mountain bike world championships at Stromlo Forest Park last night.
The 18-year-old Canberran led from start to finish in the women's four cross final to post a stunning victory over the more experienced American pair of Jill Kitner and Melissa Buhl.
Just minutes later fellow Australian Jared Graves crossed first in the men's four cross final to claim an elusive world title.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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