Trailing top ranked Hayden Wilde by 15 seconds coming off the bike, Yee ruthlessly hunted down the New Zealander during the 5km run, crossing the line with arms raised to a roaring ovation.

While it looked a dramatic finish, it was actually a comfortable victory for Yee after Wilde was hit with a 10-second penalty for not properly putting his helmet in the basket at the bike transition.

Australia’s Matthew Hauser completed the podium taking the bronze.

“For me this is a home Games, the first time I have been able to race in front of my parents for a long time. This, I would say, is probably my greatest achievement ever,” said Yee, who also beat Wilde to a silver at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.

“I have a lot of time for Hayden, he is a great competitor and brought the best out of me every single day we race.”