Rio Olympics 2016: Gwen Jorgensen earns USA's first ever gold in triathlon

The victory gave the U.S. its 39th gold medal at the Summer Games

For the first time in the history of the Olympics, the U.S. has won gold in the triathlon.

Gwen Jorgensen (1:56:16) fended off reigning Olympic champion Nicola Spirig of Switzerland (1:56:56) for first place in the women's triathlon.

Vicky Holland of Great Britain (1:57:01) took the bronze medal.

The triathlon -- which consists of swimming, biking and running -- was added as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Gwen Jorgensen won the first ever American gold medal in the triathlon. USATSI

Jorgensen placed 38th in the 2012 London Games but has been on a roll ever since. According to USA Today, Jorgensen has only lost two individual races dating back to April 2014.

In 2014-15, Jorgensen displayed her dominance by winning 12 straight races and back-to-back championship titles at the World Triathlon Series.

Jorgensen's victory gave the U.S. its nation-leading 39th gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.