The Japanese athlete Yuka Sato will be remembered for ever, after she won the first gold medal at the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

The 18-year-old was competing in the triathlon event at the YOG in Singapore, which runs until 26 August.

“I knew this would be the first contest in the Youth Olympics, which really got me motivated to go for gold,” she said.

Sato was third after the 750m swim and fifth after the 20km cycle ride, but stepped up a gear during the 5km run and stormed into first place. Australia’s Ellie Salthouse won the silver medal, and the bronze went to Kelley Whiteley of the USA. Britain’s first competitor at the YOG, Ellie Thorogood, finished in 13th place.

"It felt a bit like I was dreaming" - Yuka Sato

There were 15 gold medals on offer during the first day of the Games, and China led the way with three. Their first gold was won by weightlifter Tian Yuan, who set two youth world records on her way to victory.

"I feel like I have overcome the first hurdle to London 2012" - Yuka Sato

The Chinese athletes and officials held a moment of silence to remember the hundreds of people who died in the recent landslides and floods.

For more information on the Games, head to the official website at www.singapore2010.sg.