BEIJING — World champion Nelson Evora of Portugal has won the triple jump gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Evora, a surprise winner at the 2007 world championships, won Thursday's final in 17.67 meters in wet conditions at the Bird's Nest stadium, giving Portugal its first gold medal in an Olympic field event.

Portugal has three gold medals in Olympic track competition.

World indoor champion Phillips Idowu of Britain took the silver medal at 17.62 and Leevan Sands of Bahamas the bronze with 17.59.