The B.C. government is extending congratulations to swimmer Ryan Cochrane and the cycling women's team pursuit crew, who captured medals in competition today at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

Cochrane claimed the silver medal in dramatic fashion in the 1,500-metre freestyle, his signature race, when he held off the charge of Tunisian Oussama Mellouli, the 2008 Olympic gold medallist. Mellouli took bronze, while favourite Sun Yang of China captured gold.

Cochrane, from Victoria, finished the endurance test with a time of 14 minutes 39.63 - less than a second ahead of Mellouli. The time was a new personal-best for Cochrane and an Americas record for the men's 1,500. Yang took gold in 14:31.02, beating his own world record. Cochrane won a bronze medal in the same event at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Meanwhile, Victoria's Gillian Carleton and Coquitlam's Jasmin Glaesser, along with Tara Whitten of Edmonton, took the bronze in cycling team pursuit on Saturday. Their overall time was three minutes 17.915 to beat fourth-place Australia (3:18.096). Great Britain took the gold in a world-record time, while the U.S. team finished second.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Once again, I am so pleased to be offering congratulations to these exceptional B.C. athletes. The performances today of these incredible competitors were nothing short of amazing, and their collective commitment to their sports is admirable. On behalf of Premier Christy Clark, the B.C. government, and all British Columbians, I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Ryan, Gillian, Jasmin and Tara."

Quick Facts:

• Ryan Cochrane won a bronze medal in the 1,500-metre freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Games.
• Cochrane was born and grew up in Victoria.
• Date of birth: Oct. 29, 1988.
• Cochrane is the Canadian record-holder in the 400-, 800-, and 1500-metre freestyle.
• Coach: Randy Bennett.
• It was the first Olympic appearance for Jasmin Glaesser.
• Date of birth: July 8, 1992.
• It was the first Olympic appearance for Gillian Carleton.
• Date of birth: March 12, 1989.
• Tara Whitten grew up and resides in Edmonton.
• Coach: Richard Wooles

Learn More:

Canadian Olympic Committee: http://olympic.ca/

London 2012:

http://www.london2012.com/swimming/

http://www.london2012.com/cycling-track/

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)