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

"We proved that we are the best. Before the race, I considered myself be a good contender for the gold, but I am happy to win the silver. I am young, so I want to go to London," said 22-year old Corguille, who has set her eyes on London Olymics.

Defending world champion Shanaze Reade of Britain crashed again in the final and did not finish the race.

"I put everything into this and I couldn't have done any more," said disappointed Reade.

Despite a flying start, Reade had a heavy crash in the first heat to be placed last in the first run. However, she demonstrated her speed and skills in the last two runs, finishing second and first apiece with the fastest time of 36.699 seconds, which guaranteed her a place in the eight-women finals.

"I dug deep and gave it the best shot I could but today it wasn't good enough," she said, "I'm 19 and there is more to come from me as an athlete but at the moment I'm hurting, my back is sore and I think I have broken my hand."

Chinese Ma Liyun, the host's solo contender who competed in her first Olympics with a wildcard, only finished 7th place in the first heat of the semifinals.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)