Brianna Rollins, the 2013 world champion, won with 12.48 seconds on the eve of her 25th birthday.
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She is also Clemson’s first-ever female athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics according to Clemson Sports Information Director Tim Bourret. Holland’s Dafne Schippers took second, 21.88. Castlin finished the final semi in 12.63 seconds.
The American long jumpers were almost as impressive as their hurdling teammates with Tianna Bartoletta and Brittney Reese going one-two Wednesday night.
The USA swept the podium in the race, taking the gold, silver and bronze. The field was missing three of the world’s top hurdlers. The U.S.is so deep that Kendra Harrison, the world record-holder, didn’t make the Olympic team. In 2012, Dawn Harper-Nelson and Kelli Wells went 2-3; Harper-Nelson won in Beijing in 2008.
And while the U.S.is still the favorite to win gold, the Americans have been vulnerable in close victories against Australia, Serbia and France in Rio. Prior to Wednesday no nation had even gone one-two in the 100 hurdles. Ali said when told of the historical significance.
The trio felt additional pressure of feeling a need to meet expectations raised by the success of USA athletes in other sports. I was trying to enjoy each and every moment.
After the loss, a nostalgic Parker, said he’s retiring from the Olympics. His father, Mitch, was an alternate on the United States of America discus team at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, while his uncle, Brian, was a two-time Olympian in the javelin. “We were able to come out here and fulfill our dreams”.
American Justin Gatlin, ahead at the turn, eased off the gas – too much – and finished third in 20.13, an overall ninth-best in the three heats; Gatlin will not run in the final. Ali watched Bowie, her suitemate in Rio, bring home another medal as the hurdler waited to take the track. “We came into this together”.
Castlin (left) crossed the line just 0.02 seconds behind American team mate Nia Ali (right), whose own father shot his mistress dead before turning the gun on himself in 2009. Her father, Rodney, a hotel night manager, was murdered in December 2000, when Kristi was 16. “I want to connect more with young people that have been victims of gun violence. It feels good to come out and do a great job”, she said.
Ali became unexpectedly pregnant 15 months ago and missed last year’s Worlds.
“We were not fortunate enough to have all the electronics and toys”, she said. She resumed training six weeks after delivering Titus Maximus Tinsley. “I just wanted to go out there and push him to his limits a bit”.
Thompson, who came into the Olympics nursing a hamstring injury, won in 21.78 seconds.
“I’ve known these girls for years”.
VOLLEYBALL: The U.S. men beat Poland in straight sets for a fourth straight victory since a surprising 0-2 start and will take on Italy or Iran in the semifinals Friday.
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“We were having fun”, de Grasse said.
