Marileidy Paulino Becomes First Woman To Win Gold For Dominican Republic
Marileidy Paulino Becomes First Woman To Win Gold For Dominican Republic
Marileidy Paulino wins her first gold medal, set an Olympic record and became the fifth-fastest woman in the 400m.
Marileidy Paulino made history on Friday, becoming the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport.
Paulino dominated the second curve and pulled away over the last straightaway, becoming the fifth-fastest woman at 400 meters in 48.17 seconds, which set a new Olympic record.
The 27-year-old, the reigning World Champion at the distance, broke the previous record of 48.25 last held by France's Marie-Jose Perec.
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This is Paulino's third Olympic medal after winning silver in both the 400m and mixed 4x400m relay at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Paulino brought the Dominican Republic's medal count to three.
Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser won silver, crossing the finish line in 48.53 to set a new season best. She stayed with the gold medalist prior to the second curve and put herself in position to win a medal on the last straightaway.
Paris is Naser's second Olympic appearance, making it to semifinal round in the 400m at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Natalia Kaczmarek, meanwhile, found another gear in the last 50 meters and secured bronze for Poland in 48.98, beating out Ireland's Rhasidat Adeleke by three-tenths of a second.
Kaczmarek was a projected medal contender following her two sub-49 performances throughout this season.
Alexis Holmes was the only American to qualify in the 400m final, going 49.77. She set a new personal record and finished sixth.
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