Women’s track and field was one of the most significant events of the Olympics this year. It was notable for numerous reasons, and the fans were excited to watch these ladies represent their country.
The first event was the preliminary round, which was held on August 2. Later that day, the first round took place, and the participants raced for a chance to compete in the semifinals.
Semifinals: Heat 1
Making her Olympics debut, Melissa Jefferson finished with a time of 10.99 to advance to the 100m final. Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith came right behind her with a time of 11.01 and became the second runner to advance to the final. Mujinga Kambundji came in third, finishing with a time of 11.05
Semifinals: Heat 2
Sha’Carri Richardson was also making her official Olympic debut, where she competed against St. Lucian runner Julien Alfred. Both runners advanced to the 100m final after finishing with the fastest time in their heat.
Semifinals: Heat 3
Shockingly, only one Jamaican runner advanced to the 100m final: Tia Clayton. She was the fastest runner in her heat, with a time of 10.89. She got off to a great start and never relinquished the lead.
British sprinter Daryll Neita was the second to advance to the final, followed by American sprinter Twanisha Terry. Neita is the second British woman to make back-to-back Olympic 100m finals.
Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce was initially supposed to run in Heat 3 but was a late scratch from the 100m event. This was the first time since 2004 that she had not competed in the 100m Olympic final. The reasons were unclear, but it was disappointing, as this would be her final time competing, as she would retire after the Olympics.
Elaine Thompson-Herah could not compete in the Olympics this year due to injury, and Shericka Jackson withdrew from the 100m final due to injury concerns. She will still participate in the 200m event.
St. Lucia Makes History
The women’s 100m final took place about an hour after the semifinals on August 3. With no Elaine Thompson and Shericka Jackson to challenge her, Sha’Carri Richardson was expected to win the race and take the gold.
But Julien Alfred would take home the gold after finishing with a national record time of 10.72. She got off to a strong start and finished the race with ease. This is the first-ever Olympic medal for St. Lucia.
USA Makes History
Richardson and Jefferson may not have won the gold, but they made history. Both runners made their Olympic debuts, and each won a medal.
Richardson came in second with a time of 10.87 and won the silver medal. Jefferson finished with a time of 10.92 and won the bronze medal. This was the first time since 1996 that two American runners finished in the top three of the 100m final.
Richardson will have another chance at winning a gold medal. She will compete in the 4×100 relay on August 8 at 5:10 a.m. EST.
