Britain's golden girls are homing in on the prospect of double Olympic success after swimmer Rebecca Adlington today joined champion cyclist Nicole Cooke on the glory trail.

As Adlington today talked of her joy at becoming the first British female swimmer to win Olympic gold for 48 years following her 400 metres freestyle win in the Olympic aquatic centre, she was already targeting the prospect of a unique second gold on Saturday in the 800m final.

Her triumph, which thrilled her even more because 21-year-old team-mate Jo Jacksonlanded the bronze, came less than 24 hours after Cooke's brilliant road race win in the pouring rain which broke Team GB's medal duck.

And when Cooke, 25, goes in the time trial on Wednesday and 19-year-old Adlington competes in the 800m freestyle heats on Thursday, it is possible that one of them could equal the feat of Dame Kelly Holmes, who struck double gold at 800m and 1500m on the track in Athens four years ago.

Just like Cooke yesterday, Adlington's triumph today was a victory for strategy and timing for one of the youngest ever Olympic gold medallists.

The Mansfield teenager was fourth going into the final length, but powered past her opponents before overhauling US leader Katie Hoff to snatch the gold with Jackson holding on for bronze. Adlington, who was watched by Britain's last women's swimming champ, Anita Lonsbrough, said: "To be the first woman to win an Olympic gold for nearly half a century feels wonderful. And it's incredible to see two British women sharing a medal podium. I don't think either of us expected it. Nobody did."

It was also a demonstration of girl power in the 312-strong team, with all three medals won so far having gone to women.

But Adlington was being cautious about predictions of another gold on Saturday, even though the 800m is her best discipline. "It's a completely different event but I'm really confident going into it and I'm going to get some rest and recovery," she said.