Shriever had to fund her own qualification campaign after UK Sport cut its support for her event following Rio 2016, and two years ago she said she needed to raise a “worrying” £50,000 through crowdfunding.
The 22-year-old, who also worked part-time as a teaching assistant to cover training costs, held off two-time Olympic champion Mariana Pajon from Colombia to win on her Olympic debut.
“Honestly, I’m in shock. To even be here is an achievement in itself,” said the Essex cyclist.
“To make a final is another achievement in itself. To win a medal, let alone a gold medal, I’m over the moon.”
Shriever’s gold meant GB became the third country, after France and the Netherlands, to win in all four cycling disciplines – BMX, mountain bike, road and track.
Whyte finished 0.114 seconds behind Dutchman Niek Kimmann to claim silver.
Nicknamed the Prince of Peckham, 22-year-old Whyte has fought back from serious injury to earn his place on the Olympic podium.
