Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin finished 1-2-3 in the 100-meter hurdles to give the United States its first sweep in the event, its seventh in the history of Olympic track and the 23rd for USA women, regardless of sport, over the history of the Summer Games.
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Tiffany Porter (GBR) of Britain (R) watches gold medallist Brianna Rollins (USA) of USA (2nd L), silver medallist Nia Ali (USA) of USA and bronze medallist Kristi Castlin (USA) of USA (L).
Ali is a two-time world indoor champion in the 60 hurdles. Combined, the United States of America and New Zealand combined to take five of the six medals awarded across the men’s and women’s events.
“You really can’t take anything for granted out here. These women work so hard and there’s always a lot of upsets”, Ali, the silver medalist, said. “I mean the world record was run right after our trials”.
The 24-year-old Jamaican got off to a strong start in the 200 and held off reigning world champion Dafne Schippers, who belly flopped at the finish line, but finished.10 seconds behind.
“I’m happy that I was able to come back and come back so quickly”. Lochte’s father told The Associated Press that his son had returned to the US before the order was issued, but teammates Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were pulled off of their plane as they were getting set to leave. His father, Mitch, was an alternate on the US discus team at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, while his uncle, Brian, was a two-time Olympian in the javelin.
As of Thursday, California had a commanding lead among all states, with its natives earning 26 different medals in Rio.
“I had rough days training but I did not let that overcome me”, Thompson said.
An Olympian from South Jersey was part of history at the Rio as three Americans swept the 100-meter hurdles on Wednesday.
To close out competition Wednesday night, Rollins launched a dominating performance, crossing the finish line with a time of just 12.48 seconds.
The United States has a long history of great women sprinters, but Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin combined for a feat no other trio has ever accomplished.
“I knew I got the gold, I just wanted to make sure my team mates medalled as well”, Rollins told reporters.
The 28-year-old Los Angeles-based sprinter claimed bronze behind gold medallist Brianna Rollins and Nia Ali in silver as the United States sealed a 1-2-3 in the event.
Tianna Bartoletta reflected on her first Olympic title and a rush of American medals and gave it a catchy name: “awesome hour”.
“I would like to dedicate this medal to victims of gun violence”.
“No one was thinking about me”.
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Between events, the men’s 200-meter semifinals proved dramatic, with Andre De Grasse challenging Usain Bolt to a duel over the final meters, when Bolt typically slows to a jog to conserve energy for the final.
