PLC Old Collegian and Australian cyclist, Grace Brown (2010), has secured a historic victory in the women’s individual time trial at the Paris Olympics, ending a 20-year gold medal drought for the nation in road cycling. The 32-year-old clocked an impressive 39 minutes and 38.24 seconds over the 32.4-kilometre course, in trecherous conditions through the streets of Paris and finishing on the iconic Pont Alexandre III Bridge.

Marking the biggest win of her career, the triumph is a significant milestone for Australian cycling, with the last gold medal in the sport at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Grace shared, “I had a plan to pace the race to win gold and I was able to execute my plan, like, pretty much to perfection, if not better. So, can't ask for a better day.”

Set to retire at the end of this season, Grace demonstrated exceptional control and pacing throughout the race. She had the fastest time check at the 13.1-kilometre mark, leading by 5.3 seconds, and extended her lead to 51 seconds by the 22-kilometre checkpoint.

The victory is a fitting capstone to Grace’s career, which has seen her earn silver medals at the last two world championships and a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Her win in Paris is especially poignant, given her switch to cycling from cross-country running nine years ago due to injuries.

Congratulations on this incredible achievement Grace, we wish you all the best for the next phase of your life journey.

Image: Tim de Waele via Getty Images