Shaw's was Britain's 36th medal of these incredible Games which kept them third overall in the medals table only behind super-powers China and the United States.

 

With another two medals already guaranteed in the boxing, it means that the British team should also meet the target set by the Government of 41.

 

Shaw, a 25-year-old born in Wandsworth but now based in Weymouth, finished second in the medal race behind Italy's Alessandra Sensini after briefly leading.

 

That meant she took the bronze as China's Yin Jian claimed her country's first Olympic sailing medal.

 

There was drama when Spain's Marina Alabau and Shaw touched at one of the buoys but it was the Spaniard who was penalised with a penalty turn for not giving the Briton the right of way.

 

Shaw said: “I’m just so, so happy, it was such a tough race and has been such a tough week and I’m just so happy, it’s the best thing in the World.

 

“I just went out to sail as fast as I could and well done to the Chinese and Italian girls, that was really, really tough racing right until the end.

 

“I love my mum and dad so much, they have been so supportive and my boyfriend Greg.

 

"And my coach Dom [Tidey] is a legend."

 

In the men’s RS:X race there was disappointment for Nick Dempsey, as he slipped to fourth place overall.

 

Dempsey, who was in silver medal position overnight, finished seventh in the medal race and fell from the medal positions by two points.

 

 New Zealander Tom Ashley took gold with France's Julien Bontemps claiming silver and Israel's Shahar Zubari the bronze.

 

Dempsey said: "Another day, it could have gone another way.

 

"Another race, another lap, it could have been different but that's the way it goes and that's the Olympic Games."