Masai Russell needed a perfectly timed lean and a photo finish on Saturday to crown her the winner of the women’s 100m hurdles — earning her first Olympic gold.
The American edged past the finish line in 12.33 seconds ahead of France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela (12.34) and defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico (12.36).
Russell, 24, was not predicted among the favorites as Camacho-Quinn looked for a second straight gold in the event, but she started strong out of the blocks. She cleared the barriers cleanly but was still out of medal contention as teammate Alaysha Johnson clipped a hurdle and dropped to the back of the field.
But with 20 meters, Russell pulled ahead and leaned across the line as her fellow hurdlers immediately looked toward one of Stade de France’s scoreboards. Within seconds the photo finish determined that Russell won the gold by .01 seconds.
“I always tell myself that it’s possible. Can’t no one take it away from you,” she said “This moment today was meant for me. So whatever moment that’s out there that’s meant for them, take advantage of the moment and the opportunity, because it’s meant for you.”
Meanwhile, Camacho-Quinn is the first Puerto Rican to win multiple Olympic medals.
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