Maris Strombergs of Latvia competes during Cycling BMX men's final run at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Maris Strombergs of Latvia won the gold with 36.190. (Xinhua/Lu Mingxiang)  Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- "It didn't matter if it was the Olympics, the world championships or the European championships, the feeling is the same," said Maris Strombergs from Latvia on Friday.

    Strombergs, reigning world champion, clinched the first-ever Olympic men's bicycle moto cross (BMX) gold here Friday.

    He took the lead of the eight-strong final from the very beginning and finished the run at 36.190, leaving the Games' favorites Mike Day and Donny Robinson of the United States far behind at 36.606 and 36.972 respectively.

    "This Olympic gold is only one step in my career. I have a lot more to accomplish," he said.

    When talking about the Beijing Olympic Games, he said: "I feel almost like home. It's great."