VICKY Holland was crowned triathlon world champion after finishing second in the season finale on the Gold Coast.

The former Newent Community School pupil crossed the line ahead of title rival Katie Zaferes of the United States to take the overall World Triathlon Series title.

The Olympic bronze medallist, 32, overhauled Zaferes during the final three kilometres of the run before coming home two seconds behind Australia's Ashleigh Gentle.

"I can't actually believe it,” Holland told wts.triathlon.org.

"I thought at one point of the run that it was done because there was quite a big gap there.

“I can't believe I brought it back in.

“This season as a whole has been absolutely incredible with three wins, two seconds and now the world title.

“It is so much more than I thought I would get out of the year."