Anne Caroline Chausson of France won women's BMX gold at Olympics

Anne Caroline Chausson of France claimed the first-ever BMX Olympic gold, winning the women's BMX final at the Beijing Games here on Friday.

The French woman, who used to be a mountain biker, thundered home in the fastest time of 35.976 seconds to take the gold of the sport that made its Olympic debut in Beijing.

After crossing the finished line, Chausson got off her bike in a rush and cried out loudly.

"I wanted to win this medal for my dad. He passed away last year. I am sad he could not be here today, but this medal is for him," the french woman said.

"I am happy to win the first gold of this sport, because I came from a mountain biker. Now I am an Olympic champion," added Chausson, who has already considered of retirement after the Olympics.

Her compatriot Laetitia Le Corguille took the silver in 38.042, while the bronze medal went to Jill Kintner of the United States in 38.674.