Nao Kodaira celebrates victory in the 500m speed skating ©Getty Images

Nao Kodaira set a blistering Olympic record to win the women’s 500 meters speed skating title at Pyeongchang 2018 here today.

The 31-year-old, ranked number one in the world this season, made a rapid start and continued her momentum to set a time of 36.94sec.

It was the first time a woman had broken the 37 second barrier at sea level.

South Korea's two-time defending champion Lee Sang-hwa had to settle for the silver medal on home ice in 37.33.

The duo performed a joint lap of honour afterwards and posed together with their respective flags in what was considered a moment of harmony between the two countries.

Czech Republic's Karolina Erbanova took the bronze medal in 37.34.

Japan's Nao Kodaira and South Korea's Lee Sang-hwa pose together after the 500m competition ©Getty Images
Japan's Nao Kodaira and South Korea's Lee Sang-hwa pose together after the 500m competition ©Getty Images

"I was the captain of the whole delegation of Japan this time," said Kodaira afterwards.

"I know a lot of attention comes from the Japanese people. 

"I knew that, all I have to do is ice skate as I am supposed to skate."

Kodaira became the first Japanese woman to win Olympic speed skating gold, and the second Japanese speed skater after Hiroyasu Shimizu, winner of the men's 500m at Nagano 1998

She became the third Japanese woman to win a Winter Olympic gold following moguls skier Tae Satoya in 1998 and figure skater Shizuka Arakawa at Turin 2006.