A Japanese journalist asked American hurdlers Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin how they were going to celebrate their historic sweep of the Olympic Games 100-meter hurdles medals, the one and only 1-2-3 of the Rio Games so far.
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The 28-year-old Los Angeles-based sprinter claimed bronze behind gold medallist Brianna Rollins and Nia Ali in silver as the USA sealed a 1-2-3 in the event.
Earlier in the day, Evan Jager brought the US its first medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase since 1984, a silver that constituted the highest finish for any American in the race since 1952.
Brianna Rollins, the 2013 world champion, won with 12.48 seconds. Rollins became the first Clemson female to win a gold medal in an individual event in the Olympics in any sport.
BBC commentators acknowledged a possible US sweep in 100 hurdles, but I’d seen that prediction get jinxed too many times to hold my breath about it. Victory for Brianna Rollins was evident but second, third and fourth looked too close to call for me even after the replay. He let Canada’s Andre De Grasse (19.80) remain on his shoulder up to the finish. “My coach told me to race him to the line, tire him out for tomorrow’s final”, he said.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross won the bronze medal, coming back after losing the first set to beat the host Brazilians.
Mo Farah’s bid for a repeat distance double is on track at the Rio Olympics after he qualified for the final of the 5,000 meters.
On Wednesday, the three women representing Team USA swept the 100m hurdles, winning gold, silver and bronze at the Rio Olympics.
Castlin dedicated her medal to the victims of gun violence.
American Brittney Reese gets started in trying to defend her long jump title, while teammate Ashton Eaton kicks off the defense of his decathlon title. “I’m just happy to share the moment with Kristi and Nia”.
After the loss, a nostalgic Parker, said he’s retiring from the Olympics.
Their medals Wednesday gave them 19 for the meet – five gold, seven silver and seven bronze – which is already one more than they won through the entire world championships previous year in Beijing.
“My next thought was, I have to be back in the morning for the relay”, she said.
BOLT’S BACK: Bolt got out quickly in his 200 semifinal heat and started to coast down the final 40 meters. Bartoletta jumped 7.17 meters on her fifth of six attempts. In the women’s 200 meters, American Tori Bowie got a bronze, while Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson got the gold to go with her 100 meters triumph. Spain won the 2006 FIBA World Cup and the European championship in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
“I definitely think I can try for the world record”, said the sprinter, whose current record in the 200 stands at 19.19 seconds.
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Rollins, Ali and Castlin weren’t the only USA athletes to drape an American flag over their shoulders and take a victory lap on Wednesday night.
