Team GB's Brownlee brothers win triathlon gold and silver

Alistair Brownlee has become the first man to defend the Olympic triathlon title as he saw off the challenge of his brother Jonny to win Team GB's 20th gold medal of Rio 2016.

The London 2012 stars from Yorkshire became the dominant performers on the roads along the Copacabana after finishing the opening swim among the leaders.

The brothers remained close on the middle bike leg but the 28-year-old Alistair moved away from 26-year-old Jonny in the closing running section of the race.

The champion celebrated by walking towards the victory line, allowing his brother to almost catch up, before the pair fell to the ground and embraced.

Alistair Brownlee's gold saw Great Britain continue to edge out third-placed China with both nations claiming 54 medals in Rio. Credit: Rio2016.com

"I got onto the blue carpet at the end and I just thought 'I've won'," Alistair told the BBC, explaining his decision to stroll through the final 100m.

"I knew I had the chance to enjoy it. It probably won't happen again so you've got to enjoy it."

Alistair Brownlee, left, and Jonny were among the leaders after the opening swim. Credit: PA

Alistair said he was "pretty confident" the brothers would claim the top medals after an aggressive ride on the bikes but still wasn't sure if he would see off his brother who he said had bettered him in preparations for Rio.

Alistair Brownlee dominantly defended his Olympic title in the heat of Rio. Credit: PA

"He's killed me in training all year," he said. "We've both been flying. We've been pushing each other to the max. He's had the edge. I had to go through hell today and I did."

Jonny Brownlee improved on his bronze medal at London 2012. Credit: PA

Reviewing the race, he said: "We knew the swim wasn't that quick. We knew that first two laps of the bike was crucial. That race was won there in the first two laps of the bike. We committed and that gap built up. And then it was just a run for it."

Alistair Brownlee narrowly led his brother Jonny in the early part of the running section before opening up a bigger gap. Credit: PA

Pushed for what again separated him on the day from his younger brother, he dismissed any influence of a mental advantage, saying, "Obviously I just had the edge on Jonny. I have a little bit more of an endurance based engine."

Their medals bring Team GB's tally to 20 gold, 21 silver, 13 bronze - adding up to a total of 54.