London 2012 Olympics: Five minutes of pure gold launches Team GB to fifth in medal table

 
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Jenni Marsh2 August 2012

Britain leapt up the medal table after scooping two gold medals and two silver in under five minutes in an outstanding Olympic gold rush.

Team GB’s canoeists started the winning streak when Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott won gold in the canoe slalom in a time of 106.41 seconds, while fellow Brits David Florence and Richard Hounslow claimed silver at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Just minutes later Dorset sharp-shooter Peter Wilson blasted his way to another gold medal. The 25-year-old shot 188 out of 200 in the Double Trap final at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich to win by just two clays.

He was the youngest finalist in 13 years.

Gemma Gibbons then won silver in the judo in the -78kg weight category.

It is Britain's first medal in judo since Sydney in 2000.

The clutch of medals saw Britain leap up the medal table to fifth position, ahead of Germany, South Africa and Italy, and just one gold medal behind France.

Team GB now has four gold medals, six silver and four bronze. China still leads the Games with 30 medals.

There is the guarantee of at least another silver this afternoon as Gemma Gibbons bids for victory in the women's 78 kg judo final.

Britain’s afternoon success came just hours after the men's lightweight four earned silver in the rowing at Eton Dorney.

Reflecting on his golden moment, Stott told BBC Three: "It's weird. It could have been a disaster and now it's a dream. To win an Olympic medal, we are certainly not disappointed.”

Silver medal Olympian David Florence added: “There is nothing taken for granted in this sport and getting to the final was amazing.

"We had to focus on our own run and we were pleased with it. To win an Olympic medal, we are certainly not disappointed."

His teammate Hounslow said: "We are one team, it's all about Team GB but we wanted to put a result in. We attacked it hard all the way down but it was a sprinter's finish."

A group of relatives made a special trip from Sydney, Australia, to watch hard-working 25-year-old Wilson, from Dorset, make his shooting dream come true.

Sarah Sherwood, his cousin and godmother, said: "I am ecstatic, really proud and I knew he would do it."

Ms Sherwood, who proudly painted a Union flag in the shape of a loveheart on her sleeve to support Wilson, said: "He has such focus. He has a real talent, great technique and has kept his cool under pressure.

"He is lots of fun, has a great sense of humour has always had a lot of support from people from the beginning of his career.

"I think it (winning an Olympic gold) is pretty special and he is pretty special."

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