Julien Alfred delivered an excellent gun-to-tape efficiency to win the ladies’s 100 metres remaining on Saturday and declare Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal, although the controversial absence of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce left a cloud over the race.
Alfred made her ordinary slick begin and remained clear in heavy rain on a sodden monitor to come back residence in a nationwide document 10.72 seconds.
World champion and race favorite Sha’Carri Richardson took silver in 10.87 however the American by no means actually threatened and her compatriot Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze in 10.92.
Double Olympic champion Fraser-Pryce, showing in her fifth Olympics, was listed as ‘Did Not Begin’ shortly earlier than the semi-finals and her lane remained empty.
Social media footage later emerged of her and Jamaican group members arguing with officers who gave the impression to be refusing to let her in.
Fraser-Pryce was heard saying “they’ve modified the principles, we all the time come by way of this gate”.
World Athletics mentioned it was nonetheless awaiting official affirmation of the explanation for her absence from the Jamaican group.
With Fraser-Pryce lacking the warmth, Richardson was gradual out of the blocks and couldn’t overhaul Alfred.
It was nearly a repeat of final yr’s world championships, when Richardson sneaked into the ultimate as a quick loser and received the title from lane 9.
There was to be no repeat this time, nevertheless, as Alfred hit her stride brilliantly and splashed residence for a wonderful gold.
The US’ 28-year gold medal drought within the occasion goes on. Gail Devers was their final winner in 1996. Marion Jones was stripped of her 2000 Olympic gold for doping.
It additionally ended Jamaica’s stranglehold on the occasion after they received the final 4 Olympic golds and 10 of the 12 obtainable medals.