Tuesday’s track and field action Stade de France was a mix of an unexpected upset from American Cole Hocker in the men’s 1500m final over Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, while Hocker’s teammate Gabby Thomas shined in an impressive 200m final that saw her explod from the blocks en route to the gold. Meanwhile, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and the Netherlands’ Femke Bol gave a taste of what lies ahead on the track later in the week as they cruised in the 400m hurdles qualifiers. And Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi pulled off a stunning kick on the final straightaway to claim gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
Here’s a look back at Tuesday’s action:
- Cole Hocker made sure to play the role of spoiler on Tuesday by pulling off a come from behind win, taking gold and blowing past Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. With less than 50m on the final straightaway, Hocker kicked and surged past the field with a 3:27.65, an Olympic record — and almost three seconds faster than his personal best. Josh Kerr (3:27.79) held on for silver and Yared Nuguse (3:27.8) took the bronze.
- Gabby Thomas asserted herself the moment she left the blocks in the women’s 200m final on Tuesday and struck Olympic gold as she made a dominant move through the turn. And with a commanding kick to punctuate a near flawless race, the she soared to victory in 21.83. Thomas was barely contested for the final 100m of the race, with 100m champ, Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred claiming silver in 22.08 and fellow American Brittany Brown took the bronze in 22.20.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (52.13) and Femke Bol (52.57) ensured that they won’t be left out of this week’s exciting drama on the track as they coasted through qualifying in the 400m hurdles. Both are poised to set up an unforgettable showdown in the final.
- Winfred Yavi won her first gold in the 3000m steeplechase in a highly contested battle that was decided on her kick and taking the win in record fashion with a 8:52.76. Peruth Chemutai took the silver with a new Ugandan national record of 8:53.34 while Faith Cherotich (8:55.15) won the bronze.
- The men’s 400m final is set with Grenada’s Kirani James clocking a 43.78 for the best time of the day and Quincy Hall punching his ticket with a 43.95 and while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards following close in 44.33.
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