Rio Olympics 2016: Becky James celebrates with George North after silver success in keirin
BECKY JAMES embraced rugby star boyfriend George North after surging to silver from the back of the pack in the women's keirin final.
It completes an incredible turnaround for James, who had a cancer scare in 2014 before career-threatening knee and shoulder injuries left her Olympic dream in tatters.
Dutch ace Elis Ligtlee raced to Olympic gold as James made a late move to get herself on the podium.
Abergavenny-born Welsh ace James, 24, then headed over to her boyfriend and family to celebrate her silver success.
She said: "I was stuck at back and didn't know when to make my move.
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"I left it 50m too late for gold but I don't know where got that speed from, I didn't think I was going to get it.
"I am over the moon. I'm lost for words.
"It has been a tough 18 months. I would never have believed I was going to the Olympics eight months ago.
"A year ago I could have quit, this win is for everyone that has has helped me.
"I came in with good form and I love the keirin and I love racing.
"Once I got through the first round I just wanted to enjoy the day. I was at the back and was just thinking 'when do I go, when do I go?'
"It was so special, I have 10 of my family here - my mum has never been on a long-haul flight.
"I have had so much support from British Cycling, it has been a tough two years and I couldn't have done it without everyone's help."