Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic dominated the 400-meter race at the Olympics, claiming gold and shattering the Olympic record. This victory marks a significant achievement for Paulino, who previously secured a world title and a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Her dominance was evident throughout the race as she surged ahead, establishing a comfortable lead halfway through the lap. She ultimately crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of 48.17 seconds, eclipsing the previous Olympic record set in 1996 by France’s Marie-Jose Perec.
Salwa Eid Naser from Bahrain secured the silver medal, while Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek claimed bronze. Kaczmarek, who held the fastest time this year among the finalists, couldn’t match Paulino’s powerful surge on the night. Despite missing the final in Tokyo, Kaczmarek expressed immense delight with her bronze medal performance.
Rhasidat Adeleke finished in fourth place, making history in the process. Paulino’s victory stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. This triumph adds another chapter to her impressive career, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics.
