Who won the first Olympic women’s track cycling sprint title in 1988?

Erika Salumäe won the first Olympic women’s track cycling sprint title in 1988.

Women’s sprint was added to the Olympic cycling programme at the Seoul Games. Salumäe, representing the Soviet Union, won the inaugural title and became the first Olympic champion in the event.

She successfully defended the sprint title at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, competing for Estonia after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Her two gold medals therefore came under two different national identities.

Track sprint is a tactical event as well as a test of power. Riders may slow dramatically during the early part of a match sprint, trying to force an opponent into the wind before launching the decisive acceleration.