Olympic gold for Staffordshire cyclist

Staffordshire cyclist Sophie Capewell has bagged a gold medal at this year’s Paris Olympics.

Sophie won the medal in the women’s Track Cycling Team Sprint earlier this evening, beating New Zealand in the final and breaking the world record at the same time.

Born in Lichfield, Sophie is considered one of the top sprinters in the cycling world.  She made her debut at the 2015 UEC Under-23 and Junior European Track Championships in Athens. 

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities at Staffordshire County Council, joined people in congratulating Sophie on her record-breaking gold medal.

Victoria said: “It’s brilliant to see yet another Staffordshire Olympian on the podium, but this time winning gold.  Sophie and her teammates fought a brave race to beat off the New Zealand team in a thrilling final.

“Sophie’s a real talent, having made the step up to the GB cycling team senior academy in 2016.  Here she proved her potential with her first national titles.  Since then, she’s gone from strength to strength and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.  Well done Sophie!”