Read more: Olympic games 2012 in London

Zaripova shook off the challenge of Tunisia's Habiba Ghribi on the final water jump to power to gold in nine minutes, 6.72 seconds, a personal best and the third-fastest time in history.

"I am very proud for my country," Zaripova said. "I want to get the best for them and for them to get more medals, especially gold."

"Step by step I was believing in this moment and now I have it."