Summary:
- The USA clinched gold in both the women’s and men’s 4×400 meters relay at the Paris Olympics.
- New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr won the men’s high jump, while American Masai Russell took gold in the 100-meter hurdles.
- The field events saw a dramatic jump-off, and the USA’s relay team narrowly defeated Botswana in the men’s relay.
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, the United States won their eighth consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 4×400 meters relay, finishing in 3 minutes and 15.27 seconds. This victory adds to the country’s impressive total of 14 track and field gold medals at the Paris Games. The team, featuring stars like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas, outpaced the Netherlands and Great Britain to secure the top spot.
In the men’s 4×400 meters relay, the USA narrowly edged out Botswana for gold with a time of 2:54.43. Rai Benjamin delivered a thrilling last-leg performance to fend off Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who had been a last-minute addition to his team. Britain took the bronze, setting a new European record in the process.
In the field events, New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr achieved a career milestone by winning gold in the men’s high jump. Kerr triumphed over American Shelby McEwen in a dramatic jump-off after both athletes cleared 2.36 meters in regular competition. Kerr’s final jump of 2.34 meters secured his victory, leaving McEwen with silver and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim with bronze.
Russell beats home favourite in 100m hurdles
American Masai Russell dazzled in the 100-meter hurdles, clinching gold with a time of 12.33 seconds. Russell narrowly defeated France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela, who won silver, and Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who took bronze. The close finish highlighted a memorable day for track and field fans.
The day’s events underscored the USA’s dominance in relay events, New Zealand’s rising stars in field events, and the competitive spirit in hurdles, all contributing to a dynamic and memorable Olympic Games.
