Germany's Taubitz wins women's singles luge gold at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy -- Germany's multiple-time world champion Julia Taubitz claimed her first Olympic title on Tuesday, winning the women's singles luge of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games at the Cortina Sliding Center.

Taubitz surged into the lead after her second run, setting a new track record of 52.550 seconds, and went on to secure the gold medal with a combined time of three minutes 30.625 seconds.

"I cried in the last corner before the finish because I knew the run was good and that it had to be possible," Taubitz said.

"Winning gold means everything. It was a dream, and now the dream has come true. I'm so happy and thankful," added the 29-year-old.

Latvia's Elina Bota took the silver medal in 3:31.543, while Ashley Farquharson of the United States claimed bronze in 3:31.582.

The men's and women's doubles events will be held on Wednesday.