Part-time bank teller Anna Meares claimed a world record and a gold medal at the Athens Olympics, maintaining the outstanding record of Australian women at these Games.

The 20-year-old's victory in the 500m time trial also gave Australia two cycling golds at the one Games for only the second time.

Australia's eighth gold medal came on a day when yet another drug scandal emerged and on one which American swimmer Michael Phelps came within one race of a record-equalling eighth medal.

For Australia, Meares provided the only success, but the promise of more gold is looming in cycling and rowing.

Meares, the reigning world champion, became the first woman to break the 34 second barrier for the 500m time trial in a stunning ride that followed teammate Sara Carrigan's road race triumph on Sunday.

Her gold medal is also the sixth gold medal of Australia's eight in Athens so far to have been won by a woman.

Ian Thorpe remains the only male gold medallist.

Not since Russell Mockridge's double in Helsinki in 1952 has Australia has won two cycling gold medals at the same Olympic Games.

Also at the velodrome, Brad McGee powered into today's final of the individual pursuit where he will ride off against Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain.

Australia also advanced in women's beach volleyball with Sydney gold medallist Natalie Cook and new teammate Nicole Sanderson reaching the quarter-finals.

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