The rapid rise of Emma Finucane

The Welsh sprinter's breakthrough year culminates in a world title, Tom Davidson reports in Glasgow

- Tom Davidson

At just 20 years old, Emma Finucane made history by becoming the youngest winner of the women's match sprint event since 1975 and the third youngest ever. This after taking silver in the team sprint earlier in the competition.

"I don't think it will ever sink in," she said inside the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome the same eight words she used at the National Track Championships in January, held on her home boards in Newport, when she won every race she competed in and walked away with four titles.

Finucane's celebrations in Glasgow, however, were more totemic. When the Welshwoman crossed the line first in her match-up against Germany's Lea Sophie Friedrich, she didn't punch the air, or even wave to the crowd. Instead, she cupped her hand over her mouth in disbelief. She then rode calmly to a halt, and lay down on the track on the back straight.