CALLUM Skinner became the first Scottish gold medallist of Rio 2016 last night as he claimed victory in the team sprint final.

The 23-year-old took on the role vacated by six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy following London 2012 to ride to glory alongside Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny as the trio held off the challenge of New Zealand.

Skinner, who was born in Glasgow and grew up in Edinburgh, has long credited seeing Hoy win gold at Athens in 2004 as his inspiration.

The Team GB trio set a new Olympic record of 42.440 seconds. New Zealand, the world champions, had to settle for silver, finishing just 0.102 seconds behind. France saw off Australia to take bronze. 

Hoy paid tribute to Skinner's remarkable achievement.

Britain's most successful Olympian is all too aware of the huge pressure heaped on Skinner who has been dubbed "the next Chris Hoy" ever since he burst onto the cycling scene. 

Speaking on the BBC, Hoy said: "That was unbelievable. I know what it feels like to be in that position and let me tell you he dealt with that like a seasoned professional. Phenomenal.

"I remember seeing him as a teenager training at Meadowbank and he had something special but it's about the hard work and he's worked so hard to win this place in the team."