In a true breakthrough year, Cave wrested control of the World Triathlon Championships from the USA and Australia who have vied for dominance in the event for years - but that was only one element in her achievement.

To win such success she also had to overcome the blistering heat and high humidity of Mexico in perhaps the most gruelling event of them all.

The Australian-born 24-year-old, whose mother hails from Rhyl, dug deep into her reserves of grit and determination to claim glory in the closing 10km run.

The finale saw a thrilling duel with Barb Lindquist of the USA, the Welsh star putting in a fantastic final lap to pull away in the closing 100m.

It was the culmination of a remarkable year that saw Cave rise from obscurity to world class.

She was an unknown name to most Welsh fans, even on the day of the triathlon final in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

After the swimming and cycling, Cave found herself in the leading group of four for the closing run.

She went for the sprint finish, and was rewarded as she blew away more-fancied contenders Nicole Hackett and Heather Evans to claim the silver medal.

The unexpected success only made Cave hungry for more.

Another silver followed at the European Championships, but she would be wearing a medal of a different hue at the world event.

The scale of Cave's achievements were recognised by the Sports Writers' Association who named her best international newcomer in their awards in December.

She ends the season ranked seventh in the world, the highest ever position for a British athlete in the sport.