Rebecca Romero won Britain its fourth cycling track gold in the women's individual pursuit in Laoshan Velodrome at the Olympic Games here on Sunday.

A silver medallist of women's quadruple sculls rowing at Athens Games, Romero became the first British woman to win two medals in two summer Olympic Games after switching to cycling in 2006.

"I totally believe in myself now. This was really facing up to my demons. I knew I had it in me. A week ago, I didn't think I did. Gold medals don't come easy. When I was crossing the line I had to check it was me," she said.

Roaring on the rack after the race, the 28-year old demonstrated her speed and endurance in the 3000 meters race, beating her compatriot Wendy Houvenaghel in the final with a clear advantage.

"I can't explain it," Romero said. "It's magical to be an Olympic champion. It's been so hard. I can't even explain what I've gone through. "

Romero clocked 3:28.321 to stand atop the podium, while Houvenaghel got the silver in 3:30.395.

The bronze went to Ukraine's Lesya Kalitovska, who defeated Alison Sharks of New Zealand earlier.

Houvenaghel, a 33-year-old dental surgeon who started her cycling career only six years ago, won gold with Romero in the women's team pursuit at the Manchester world championships in March.

Britain has won nine cycling medals so far with four golds as Nicole Cooke claimed its first gold by winning the women's road race last Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)