Allyson Felix had her fifth Olympic gold in her sights, then Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas did something completely unexpected – diving toward the finish line to win the 400-meter final in spectacular fashion Monday.
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Felix, now 30, first competed in the Olympics as an 18-year-old in Athens, winning a silver medal in the 200-meter race.
“I was just focused on myself”, Felix said when asked about the dive. The affable Kenyan middle-distance runner, who set a new world record en route to a memorable triumph in London four years ago, saw off the challenge of compatriot Alfred Kipketer to cross the finish line in a time of 1:42.15.
Miller finished in 49.44 on Monday to narrowly hold off world champion Felix, who finished strongly in 49.51. “It’s been a tough one and I really hoped it would come together tonight”.
Hastings took fourth, in 50.34 seconds, while Francis was fifth in 50.41.
Growing up, Allyson Felix’s teammates called her “Chicken Legs” because of her long, skinny legs. She has also won three relay golds and could add to that tally in Brazil.
Shaunae Miller dives at the line to claim gold in the 400m final.
Felix had to settle for the silver, her seventh Olympic medal, surpassing Jackie Joyner-Kersee for most medal in track and field by an American woman.
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Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson won bronze, in a time of 49.85.
