Gabby Thomas, Brittany Brown, and McKenzie Long secured spots in the women’s 200 meters event at the Paris Olympics after finishing 1-2-3 at the U.S. Olympic trials. Thomas won with a time of 21.81 seconds, followed by Brown in 21.90 and Long in 21.91. Thomas expressed relief and excitement at making the team and is now aiming for a gold medal in Paris. Sha’Carri Richardson finished fourth in the final.
Thomas, the reigning bronze medalist, ran a world-leading time of 21.78 in the semifinals, setting high expectations for the final. The competition was fierce, and Thomas acknowledged the tough fight for her win. The Americans will be strong contenders in Paris, especially with Jamaican star Elaine Thompson-Herah’s withdrawal due to injury.
Long, a standout athlete at Ole Miss, ran the fastest time in the world before Thomas surpassed it in the semifinals. Running in memory of her late mother, Long’s strategy and determination helped her secure a spot on the Olympic team alongside Thomas and Brown. The trio’s success at the trials was a thrilling spectacle for spectators at Hayward Field.
The absence of Thompson-Herah at the Olympics opens up the field for Thomas, Brown, and Long to compete for medals. Each athlete has a unique story and motivation driving them towards success in Paris. The competition promises to be intense, with Thomas setting her sights on a gold medal and the American trio poised to make a strong impact at the upcoming Olympics.
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