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RIO 2016
2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games

Brianna Rollins leads U.S. Olympic sweep in women's 100 hurdles

Josh Peter
USA TODAY Sports

RIO DE JANEIRO — It was a powerful image, three American women embraced in victory after their historic clean sweep in the 100-meter hurdles. But the images and words after the race were equally poignant.

(L-R) Kristi Castlin, Brianna Rollins, and Nia Ali (USA) celebrate after sweeping the 100 hurdles.

Kristi Castlin took the bronze and took a stand.

"I would like to dedicate this medal to victims of gun violence,’’ she said. “Women hurdlers are so strong in the U.S., and we have overcome controversy. We are three strong hurdlers.”

Nia Ali, who earned the silver, had overcome a year away from track to give birth to and care for her 15-month-old son, Titus.

"He won't remember this, but he will see photos and see that you can do anything you put your mind to,’’ Ali said while holding Titus. “I knew it was going to be hard to medal.”

And then, there was pure emotion from Brianna Rollins, who won the gold.

"Oh my God, it's a relief,’’ she said. “There has been such a lot of anticipation.’’

Anticipation and suspense, as the narrowest of margins were the difference between an almost-sweep and the historic sweep for the women’s American 100-meter hurdlers Wednesday night at Olympic Stadium.

Rollins was the favorite and she showed it throughout the competition. She hit the first line first in 12.48 seconds. Next came Ali, at 12.59 seconds. And then the photo finish.

Straining as if history depended on it — and it did — Castlin crossed the finish line in 12.61 seconds, just .02 seconds ahead of Great Britiain’s Cindy Ofili. It was the first ever sweep in the event — introduced at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games — and it comes one day after the U.S. men were shut out of the 110 hurdles for the first time (in a non-boycotted Olympics)..

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