Jonathan Brownlee’s return from injury ended with a gold medal at the Yokohama meeting of the ITU World Triathlon Series, while there was further British success in the women’s race with Jodie Simpson taking third.

Bramhope-based London Olympics bronze medallist Brownlee had been told that an ankle problem could curtail his season, but he dominated the run and overcame Games silver medallist Javier Gomez.

Having been told his year may be over, the Bingley Harrier was understandably moved as he took the win, saying: “At the start of the year I was told I wouldn’t be racing at all this season, so I got a bit emotional towards the end because this year I thought I wouldn’t be here at all. I thought the season was over two months ago.”

Fellow Brit Adam Bowden made it three top-ten finishes in three straight years by crossing the line in eighth, with Scotland’s David McNamme ninth.

In the women’s race it was a first-ever Series medal for 24-year-old Simpson, who was bettered only by Gwen Jorgensen and Emma Moffat.

“I couldn’t be happier. The main thing was the run started going into T2. I knew if I had a good transition that the people would have to sprint to catch up,” Simpson said.

Compatriot Katie Hewison recorded her best-ever finish in 14th.

The Series now moves on to Madrid with Brownlee’s brother, Olympic champion Alistair, set to compete.