Last update on. From the section OlympicsTokyo Olympic Games on BBC Dates: 23 Jul-8 Aug Time in Tokyo: BST+8. Listen live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button; Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, and Sounds; Live text and video clips available on BBC Sport app and website.British BMX racer Bethany Shriever won gold at the women's final after Kye Whyte, her teammate, claimed silver in the men’s.Shriever, 22 years old, was lifted in the air by Whyte to celebrate their historic achievements in Tokyo.Shriever defeated Mariana Pajon, the two-time champion, to win after she needed crowdfunding.Whyte finished 0.114 seconds slower than Niek Kimmann in the men's.Despite being delayed in both finals by serious crashes, the pair managed to keep their composure and focus.American rider Connor Fields was the favorite in the men's racing. He was then taken to hospital following a terrible crash in his third and final heat.A spokesperson for the American team later stated that Fields was awake and was awaiting further evaluation. However, it was not yet clear what extent of his injuries were.After collapsing in the semi-finals, Saya Sakakibara from Australia also required medical attention."I almost wept at Kye’s silver"After winning the 2017 junior world title, Shriever was regarded by Great Britain BMX as the next big star. However, the national setup was dissolved later that year when UK Sport stated that it would only finance male riders based on senior results.She decided to do it alone and launched the crowdfunder in 2019. In addition, she also worked part time as a teaching assistant.She returned to British Cycling later in 2019, with UK Sport's flexible funding approach allowing it to invest her.She was determined and hardworking, which paid off with a spectacular ride in Tokyo that saw her end Pajon's reign in Colombia. This Pajon was her childhood idol."Honestly, it's a shock. Shriever said, "Honestly, I'm in shock." Shriever won all three of her semi final races to reach the final."To reach the final is an achievement in and of itself. To win a medal is amazing, even a gold, is beyond my wildest dreams."Winning a gold medal was not my goal. Results are beyond our control. I kept to my routine and maintained my cool on the track to win the victory. It's crazy.After winning medals at the Olympic Games, Whyte and Shriever were reunited.Shriever and Whyte, 22 years old, were both making their Olympic debuts in Tokyo. Shriever said she was inspired by her teammate's successes moments earlier.The pair shared a few happy scenes celebrating their success, with Shriever eventually dropping to the tracks in exhaustion."I was looking at him as I went up. He got a silver. I almost wept because of it. I had to maintain my cool, reset and dig in. Shriver, who won all three semi-final races, said that she gave everything."I had nothing left. The lactic acid was insane. It was everything I had.Whyte's road to Olympic goldWhyte has overcome serious injuries to be able to claim his spot on the Olympic podium.After finishing fifth at the 2019 World Championships, the rider arrived in Tokyo ranked 12th. However, he was unable to compete in the Olympic test event in 2019.He said, "The medal is everything to me."It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is difficult to make it to the Olympics. It is a special thing to do well and win a medal.The Londoner was dubbed the Prince of Peckham and looked stunned as he celebrated the occasion with his family at home via a video monitor at trackside.Whyte thanked his family - Tre his brother who won bronze at the 2014 World Championships before retiring in 2020 – and the members of the Peckham BMX Club, for staying up until the wee hours to witness his success."I think Trey might weep. My mum and dad both cried. It will be crazy when I get back," stated Whyte who claimed that the heavy medal was "aching his neck".Shanaze Reade, a former British BMX rider, stated that the pair put in the "performances their lives".It is a credit for them both. It is nerve-wracking to attend your first Olympic Games. To win your first Olympic Games and receive a silver medal is amazing," Reade, an analyst for BBC television."I always say that a happy head means fast legs. Both of these guys seemed so happy and relaxed, and they took it all in stride. They proved it."Gallagher impresses by Supersonic ShrieverShriever's success was announced at 04:45 BST. However, former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher still showed his love for Shriever.Sam Quek, a former Great Britain hockey player and presenter on BBC television, stated that Shriever had "proved doubters wrong".Geraint Thomas (a fellow cyclist and track cycling gold medallist) also paid tribute to Shriever's and Whyte achievements.
