Payne first across line to reach London 2012

The 23-year-old led at the start in Shanghai, briefly trailed Australian Melissa Gorman at the 7km mark but then responded and hit the front again.

She held off a late charge by reigning world champion Martina Grimaldi, of Italy, and was clear when she touched in two hours one minute 58.1 seconds.

The result saw the Stockport ITC swimmer regain the world crown she won in Rome two years ago and ensured she qualified for London next year as she had to finish in the top 10 although team-mate Cassandra Patten will not be joining her after coming in 21st in 2hrs 2mins 33.6secs.

It was also Great Britain’s first medal of the World Championships in Shanghai and was achieved in baking hot conditions which saw some swimmers pulled from the water in distress.

Immediately after the race, the Johannesburg-born swimmer said: “It feels amazing, I’m just so happy with myself for doing that (qualifying for the 2012 Games).

“To be on that Olympic team at a home Olympics is going to be absolutely amazing. I’m really pleased.

“It’s a weight off my shoulders. I can concentrate on training now for next year and I don’t have to worry about qualifying because I’ve already done it.”

Payne was realistic about how much attention her world title would bring in the next 12 months.

“I’m sure there will be added pressure on me going into the Olympics but I’ll just work on that coming into it,” she said.