Shirley Robertson's golden Sydney memories

By Susie East

Published 1041 GMT (1841 HKT) January 14, 2015

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On the September 29, 2000, Shirley Robertson of Great Britain triumphed at the Sydney Olympics -- changing her life forever. Winning gold at Rushcutters Bay, she proved beyond doubt that she had mastered her class. Mark Dadswell /Allsport

She led from the start of the race, but had to fight off competition from Holland's Margriet Matthysse. Dropping to 16th place in the penultimate race, she had to finish in the top four in order to grab the gold. Nick Wilson /Allsport

Rushcutters Bay in Sydney was well known for being a difficult course. Robertson was well prepared though, expertly overtaking eight of her closest competitors by catching the wake of a ferry on a downwind leg. Nick Wilson /Allsport

In the final race she clinched the win by fighting it out for third place. Crossing the finish line, she was now an Olympic champion. Mark Dadswell /Allsport

Robertson became the first Scottish woman to win a gold medal in an individual event. She was then voted ISAF World Female Sailor of the Year before being awarded an MBE for her services to British sailing. Mike Hewitt /Allsport

The 2000 Sydney Games celebrated 100 years of women's participation in the Olympics. A Nick Wilson/ALLSPORT

View from Bradley's Head, Sydney, where Robertson's supporters cheered her on for the win. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images