Andy Murray stunned Roger Federer to win the Olympic gold medal at Wimbledon yesterday just 28 days after a gut-wrenching defeat saw the Brit in tears on centre court.

Murray did not drop a set, beating the world number one 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, in a one-sided encounter which showed the world Murray is capable of beating the big guns on the big occasions.

It was revenge for the Scot who lost the Wimbledon final to the Swiss just a month earlier on the same court.

“It’s number one for me – the biggest win of my life,” said Murray., who took inspiration from team GB’s performance on the athletics field on Saturday night.

“I have had a lot of tough losses in my career and this is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final.”

Murray had  beaten world number two Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semi-final and looks to be in imperious form entering the American hard-court season.

Many believe this could be the boost the Brit needs to win his first grand slam.

He will now prepare for the final major of the year – the US Open – and will enter with renewed confidence.

“I hope this will give me the confidence to go there and believe in myself a bit more than I have in the past,” said Murray, whose straight sets victory on Sunday was his first in five sets over Federer.

“Hopefully I can have a good run and give myself a shot at winning.

“I’ve had a lot of questions asked about me many times. I’m just glad I managed to put on a performance I’ve been waiting for.

“It was a huge match for me. It was a big match for Roger as well. I’m sure he would have wanted to win the gold – it’s one of the few things he hasn’t done in his singles career.

“To win today, in the way I did, makes those losses a little bit easier to take. It will help with the way I go into the [Grand Slam] matches and I hope it will make me a better player.”

Murray went on to claim a silver medal in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson. They lost in the championship tiebreak to number one seeds Victoria Azerenka and Max Mirnyi.

Image Courtesy of  Maxisport / Shutterstock.com

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Largo, U.S.A - The “end of days” has arrived, a mere six months into 2012, as Six Flags America unleashed its newest roller coaster: Apocalypse – The Last Stand. To celebrate the coaster’s debut, the park launched the inaugural first ride with a train full of zombies. These undead took on two minutes of hairpin turns, pulse-pounding inversions and a swirling corkscrew, careening down 2,900 feet of track at 55 miles per hour – all while standing!

While June 7, 2012 did not bring the end of the world, it did bring Six Flags America’s roller coaster count to eight, adding a completely unique experience that gives passengers an incredible view as they ride standing up.  As guests approach Apocalypse – The Last Stand, they are met with signs of impending doom and mayhem: airplane wreckage, burned out vehicles, evidence of the undead and scorching special effects.

“We selected this ride for Six Flags America, complete with a timely 2012 Apocalypse theme, to broaden our roller coaster collection and give guests a multi-sensory thrill ride experience,” said Rick Howarth, Six Flags America park president. “Zombies, roller coaster enthusiasts and all-around thrill-seekers are invited to stand up to their fear and ride Apocalypse!”

Apocalypse – The Last Stand is located in the heart of the park and is impossible to miss at ten stories high with bright orange and charcoal grey steel set against a backdrop of an enormous, looming skull. Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and regional coaster club, the Coaster Zombies, gathered today, many dressed as zombies, to be among the first to ride Apocalypse – The Last Stand.

“ACE members know and love their roller coasters,” said Elizabeth Ringas, Mid-Atlantic ACE regional representative. “Apocalypse was built to deliver the excitement and rush of adrenaline that Six Flags is known for. We are thrilled to have a completely new coaster experience at Six Flags America!”

Apocalypse – The Last Stand was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) of Switzerland. This is Six Flags America’s first B&M coaster and complements the park’s arsenal of world-class roller coasters, thrill rides and Hurricane Harbor Water Park.

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